鹌鹑Efficient farming technology
--- To the readers of Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and other regions. Recently, several readers from Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and surrounding areas reached out to us with questions about quail farming techniques. In response, we've written this article to guide you through seven essential steps tailored to your local conditions and personal circumstances. The goal is to help you increase your aquaculture profits steadily over time.
--- Editor
Quail farming is a small-scale, quick-return business that requires attention to scientific breeding practices. Here are some key points to consider when raising quails:
1. Constructing the Cage
The cage method is effective for quail farming. Use bamboo or wooden structures with dimensions of 80 cm in length, 50 cm in width, and 30 cm in height. These cages can be stacked for efficient use of space. Place the cages in a quiet, well-ventilated, sunny, and insulated area. Make sure to control the temperature—keep it warm in winter and cool in summer. Avoid any disturbances from animals like dogs, cats, or even chickens. Maintain a proper density: one layer of cages can hold 100–150 adult quails per square meter. Install drinking troughs and water fountains, and ensure adequate lighting, especially at night, to boost egg production.
2. Providing Quality Feed
Use feed with low fiber content but high nutritional value. Diversify the diet to maintain good palatability and protein levels. Avoid sudden changes in feed, as this may lead to loss of appetite and reduced productivity. A general feed formula includes: 50% corn, 8% soybean meal, 3.7% rapeseed meal, 29% wheat bran, 6% fishmeal, 1.5% roughage, 1.5% bone meal, and 0.3% salt. Add vitamins, antibiotics, and trace elements to support health and growth.
3. Daily Management
1. Clean the cages daily or every two days to remove droppings and prevent moisture and contamination. Keep feeding equipment clean and dry. 2. Young quails (up to 4 days old) are very active and need careful handling during feeding and watering to avoid splashing feed or wetting their feathers. 3. At 40 days old, they should be transitioned into the laying environment. 4. Ensure good ventilation in summer and warmth in winter (above 16°C). 5. Provide enough light during the laying period, supplementing with artificial light for about 4 hours after dark. 6. Monitor the environment regularly for temperature, humidity, and stress factors. Check for pests, gas leaks, and disease risks. 7. Weigh and observe the birds regularly, keeping detailed records and reports.
4. Breeding Practices
Spring breeding typically occurs between March and May, while fall breeding takes place from September to November. Pair males and females in a 1:4 ratio. Each male should mate with one female per day. Too much mating can reduce fertilization rates. Place the male in the female’s cage for mating.
5. Brooding Techniques
Quail eggs hatch in 17 days. Newly hatched chicks need insulation. Keep the temperature at 35–38°C for the first 1–2 days to help them absorb the yolk sac. Gradually lower the temperature by 0.5°C each day until it reaches around 25°C. Feed them steamed egg yolks and shredded corn on the first day, then switch to a mixed feed 7 days later, feeding 5–6 times daily, including at night. Ensure the feed is moist but not too wet. Quails usually start laying eggs at 50 days old.
6. Forced Moulting
If using a second laying cycle, forced moulting is necessary. Stop feeding for 4–7 days and darken the area to force the quails to stop laying. After feather loss, gradually reintroduce food to help them recover quickly. It takes about 20 days from the end of the feed to resuming egg production. Remove sick or weak birds and ensure continuous access to clean water.
7. Disease Prevention
1. Gastroenteritis: Caused by moldy feed or improper feeding. Mix furazolidone or charcoal into the feed for 3 days, then stop for 2 days, and resume feeding. Alternatively, use oxytetracycline for 5 days. You can also mix sulfamidazole or sulfamethazine into the feed twice daily for up to 5–6 days. 2. Salmonellosis: Causes white, foul-smelling diarrhea. Treat with furazolidone for 3 days, then stop feeding for 2 days before resuming. Add oxytetracycline for 6 days or mix sulfadiazine (0.5%) into the feed for 3 days, then rest for 2 days and continue for another 3 days. 3. Rectal prolapse and dystocia: Often due to malnutrition or early egg-laying. Ensure balanced nutrition, prevent overgrowth, and avoid fallopian tube diseases. Gently press the abdomen to help lay eggs. For rectal prolapse, rinse with 0.1% potassium permanganate and gently return the tissue to its normal position.
Guangzhou Fuerle Health Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.fuerlegroup.com