Commercial quail farming business has become a very popular business for making high profits. Because, quails are smaller sized birds but they are highly meat and egg productive creatures. As far as we have experienced, quail farming business is very easy, lucrative and entertaining. Anyone can start this business with little investment.
Commercial quail farming is not a new business idea, rather it is an old business and many people are doing this in many countries around the world.
Commercial quail farming in Japan has spread tremendously. Not only Japan, but also other people throughout the world doing quail farming business commercially for the purpose of meat and egg production. Quail farming is a very profitable business like other livestock farming ventures, such as chicken, turkey or duck farming business.
Commercial quail rearing is mainly popular for the quality of meat and eggs and the easy process of caring these birds. Quail eggs are very nutritious than other poultry eggs. Because quail eggs contain comparatively more protein, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, B1 and B2.
Commercial quail farming can play a vital role to meet up the food and nutrition demand. At the same time it can be a good good source of employment and income for the rural people.
What Is Quail Farming?
Before discussing more about the steps of starting commercial quail farming business, let us first explain ‘what is quail farming‘? Actually the term ‘quail farming‘ means, raising quails commercially (like other poultry birds) for the purpose of profitable eggs and meat production.
How To Start Quail Farming Business?
Starting a small scale or commercial quail farming business is relatively easy and simple. Even the beginners can start this lucrative business. Quails are smaller sized poultry birds, so it’s very easy to establish a quail farm. However, here we are trying to shortly describing every steps for starting and operating a successful quail rearing and breeding business.
Step 1: Gather practical knowledge and complete a training
Practical knowledge or experience is very important for running a successful quail farm and also for generating more profits from it. So, you have to gather practical knowledge and experience before starting commercial production. You can learn practically either from an experienced farmer, or from any courses available online or offline.
You can also complete a quail farming training from where you can learn the basics of quail farming business. The main way to receive quail farming training is to research the available programs in your area. Look for training programs offered by government agencies, universities, and agricultural organizations within your area.
You can also search for online courses and tutorials that teach the basics of quail farming. Currently, YouTube is also playing a very good role in educating people throughout the world in various subjects.
Step 2: Make an effective business plan
Try to make a proper quail farming business plan before starting, and work according to the plan. Making a good and effective business plan is very important for a successful quail farming business. A proper business plan should include breeds, housing, feeding, caring and marketing strategies.
You can prepare the plan yourself. But, you can also ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner in this business. We recommend consulting with some existing farmers before making your business plan.
Step 3: Select a good location
Choosing a good location with all required facilities is very important for operating a successful quail farming business. Consider the climate and weather conditions in the selected area. Because quails are sensitive to temperature extremes.
Try to select the location closer to a market. Doing this will help to reduce transportation costs and increase the freshness of the products. Consider zoning regulations before selecting a location for your farm. Also consider these factors while choosing the location:
- Price of land
- Access to water
- Proximity to suppliers
- Security
- Environmental factors
- Infrastructure
- Soil quality
- Possibility of future expansion etc.
​Step 4: Determine the products you want to produce
Quails are mainly raised for their meat and eggs. So, determine the product you want to produce from your farm before starting. Quail eggs are gaining popularity gradually, and you can start rearing quails for egg production.
Quail meat production is also very profitable, but you have to be sure about the market of meat in your area. Broiler quails grow faster and raising them for meat is also very profitable.
Step 5: Select good breed depending on your production purpose
There are numerous quail breeds available throughout the world. But all of these breeds are not good for commercial quail farming business. So, you have to choose the right breed depending on your production purpose. Some common and popular quail breeds are:
- Coturnix
- Bobwhite
- California
- Gambel’s and
- Japanese
You can choose any of the above breeds depending on the availability in your area.
Step 6: Purchase necessary equipment
Like many other livestock farming businesses, quail farming also requires some equipment. These equipment are required to ensure the efficient and healthy raising of quails. Here we are listing the most common and essential quail farming equipment.
- Cages
- Feeders
- Waterers
- Brooders
- Incubators
- Egg trays
- Egg handling supplies
- Lighting equipment
- Bedding material
- Waste disposal system
- Feed storage bins
- Quail nets or catching equipment
- Scale
- Record keeping tools or accessories
- First aid kit
- Pest control supplies
- Transport crates
- Ventilation system
- Cleaning tools and disinfectants
Step 7: Purchase good quality chicks
Purchasing good quality and healthy quail chicks is very important for the success of your quail farming business. So, try to purchase good quality and healthy quail chicks from reputable breeders or suppliers in your area.
Step 8: Take good care of the chicks
Taking good care of the chicks is very important. Your quails will grow better, stay healthy and will produce maximum if you ensure good caring from the beginning. Setup the brooder perfectly and provide the chicks with good quality starter feed. Maintain temperature inside the house perfectly. And always provide your birds with enough clean and fresh drinking water.
Step 9: Ensure good housing facility
Quails are very strong and hardy birds, and their housing requirement is very minimum. Although, providing good housing facilities for them will ensure their good health and this will ultimately increase eggs or meat production.
You can raise quails either in an indoor or outdoor system. Whichever system you choose, you have to ensure enough space is available with all other required facilities. The measurement of the house can be any depending on your land and the number of birds you are raising.
Quails are smaller sized birds and you can easily raise them in cages. Overall farm management is very easy in a cage system. Diseases and other health problems are also very less in this system. So, you can definitely go with this system.
Always try to clean the house timely, and arrange a proper lighting system inside the house. Installing a good ventilation system is also a must.
Step 10: Provide your birds with nutritious food
Providing your birds with very good quality, balanced and nutritious food is another most important part of a successful quail farming business. Good food not only keeps the birds healthy, but also helps them to stay active and produce more.
Ensure their diet contains 20 to 24 percent protein and 40 to 50 percent carbohydrates. Also ensure the food contains a small amount of fat and adequate amount of vitamins and minerals.
You can feed your birds either with homemade or commercial feeds depending on the availability in your area. Feeding your birds with a commercial quail feed can be a good option for you if you are a beginner and not sure how to make their feed.
Try to maintain a regular schedule for feeding your birds. Doing this is very important to maintain consistent growth and egg production. Although, the exact feeding schedule depends on the age of the birds, and also on the type of feed you are using. For example, young quail may need to be fed more frequently than adult quail.
And along with providing your birds with very good quality and nutritious food, always try to provide them with enough fresh and clean drinking water. Change the water daily, and if possible clean the waterer on a regular basis.
​Step 11: Practice good breeding management
Quails are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and will produce enough fertile eggs for hatching if you keep a good ratio of male and female quails in your farm.
Generally, quails can start breeding as early as 6-8 weeks of age, but it’s recommended to wait until they are at least 12-14 weeks old before breeding. At this age, quail become mature and ready to mate.
Generally one male bird is enough to breed two or three females. This ratio will ensure that each female is adequately fertilized and will help prevent fighting among the males.
Step 12: Control diseases and other health problems
The quail birds are very strong and hardy. They are less prone to diseases and other health problems. Although, you should be aware of these diseases if you want to start commercial production. Try to learn more about common quail diseases and health problems before starting commercial production.
Step 13: Always try to take good care of the birds
Taking good care of the birds is very important for a successful quail farming business. Quails are very hardy birds, and they generally require less caring. Although, taking good care will help the birds to grow better and produce more.
Monitor your bird’s health on a regular basis, and take necessary steps if you notice anything unusual. Vaccinate your birds timely, and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area. Stock some necessary drugs. Never feed your birds with contaminated feeds and polluted water.
However, quail caring is an important aspect of quail farming. Proper care and management are necessary for the health and productivity of your birds. Here are the basics of quail caring and what to consider when caring for your flock. To keep your quails healthy and productive, follow the hygienic quail farming method which are mentioned below.
- Always try to keep their house dry and clean.
- Ensure proper movement of light and air inside their house.
- Keep different aged quails separated from each other.
- Separate the disease affected quails from the healthy one.
- Burn the dead bird or put it under soil.
- Don’t allow other birds, animals or unknown persons to enter inside your farm quail house.
- Ensure hygienic and balanced feed supply.
- Provide adequate fresh and clean water according to their demand.
Step 14: Marketing your products
Quail meat and eggs are very tasty and highly nutritious. So there is already an established market for quail products in some areas. As quail birds and their eggs are small in size, so it is cheap in price and all types of people can purchase. So you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products. You can easily sell the eggs and meat in your local market. But it will be better if you determine your marketing strategies before starting this business. Because all places around the world have not the same marketing facilities.
These are the common steps of starting and operating a successful quail farming business. Raising a few quails is very easy and simple, even the beginners can raise them. Hope this guide has helped you. If you have question, consider reading these quail farming faqs. Good luck and may God bless you!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
People often ask different questions regarding this popular and profitable business. Here we are trying to list the most common and frequently asked questions related to quail farming business and trying to answer them.
What is quail farming?
Quail farming means raising quails for the purpose of their products. Main quail products are their meat and eggs. So, most of the quail farms are done either for meat or for eggs production.
How to start quail farming?
Starting quail farming is relatively easy and simple. You can starting raising quails even if you are a beginner. Just follow the steps mentioned above.
Is quail farming profitable?
Yes, commercial quail farming is a profitable business. You can make good profits from this business, especially if you can manage everything perfectly.
How to start quail farming business?
You have to follow some step by step process to be successful in quail farming business. First of all learn practically about this business and gather practical knowledge, and complete a training if possible. Make a good and effective business plan, and try to do everything according to the plan. Select a good location with all required facilities, determine the products, select good quality breeds, purchase necessary equipment, purchase good quality chicks and take good care of the chicks. Ensure good housing facility, provide them with enough nutritious food, and always try to take good care of them. Vaccinate them timely and finally collect eggs or sell meat in the market.
Is quail farming legal in India?
Yes, quail farming is legal in India. You can start this business for making profits. Quail production business has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing demand for quail meat and eggs.
Is quail farming profitable in India?
Yes, commercial quail farming is a profitable business in India. Demand for both quail eggs and meat are increasing gradually. That’s why commercial production is a profitable business in India.
Quails are my dream business,thank you so much for the good information may God bless you
You are welcome! Good luck!
Wow! The information was so helpful and I hope it will reach as many farmers as it will. Thank you and God bless you as well.
Thanks to give good info. Im faiz from Muar, Johor, Malaysia. Now i starting with 100 quail, normally every evening can get 100+- pcs eggs and making good income with my friend. Starting with low budget money.
Thank you for your excellent explained to us about a quails farming. But I am in sokoto state I don’t know where I should buy it.i wante be a quails Farmer
I love these little birds. I have seen my friend raising this birds. They are adorable and I want to raise these birds. Please tell me total costs for raising 100 birds.
Thanks for your interest. Exact cost depends on numerous factors and it can vary from place to place. Normally you can expect the cost between 100 and 150 US dollars for raising 100 birds with basic requirements. Good luck!