Detailed Explanation of Quail Incubation Methods and Technical Key Points

Quail farming is a type of specialty farming, and in raising quail we inevitably face the problem of quail incubation, which is also a problem many beginners do not know how to solve. Today Qinnongwang will introduce several methods for how to incubate quail eggs.

Today the mainstream incubation methods are mainly three types, including natural incubation, water vat incubation, and electric blanket incubation. In addition, farmers in the north can also choose fire pit incubation, and incubators are also sold on the market. Below, Qinnongwang will introduce them in detail.

I. Natural Incubation Method

Choose a hen with a small body size and strong broodiness to hatch the eggs as a substitute; 30-40 breeding eggs can be incubated at one time. In the early stage of incubation, when the hen leaves the nest to eat, if the temperature is low, a cotton blanket or other insulation should be added over the nest. During incubation, prevent the hen from stepping on and breaking the breeding eggs. Using a pigeon as a substitute for incubation, 6-8 breeding eggs can be placed in each time. Method: after the pigeon lays eggs and is about to start incubating, take out the pigeon eggs and put in quail eggs. After the quail chicks hatch, take them out promptly and put them into a brooder.

II. Water Vat Incubation Method

Use 1 water vat and 1 aluminum tray with matching diameters, plus cotton quilts for insulation, to carry out incubation. Put 30-40 breeding eggs into a small mesh bag, then place it in the aluminum tray. Wrap the outside of the water vat tightly with cotton wadding or the like for insulation, and put in warm water at 50°C-70°C, with the water amount kept at a level that will not touch the bottom of the aluminum tray placed in it. Place the aluminum tray on the water vat, then cover with a cotton quilt. At the beginning of incubation, the temperature inside the vat can be slightly higher; at the same time, there is a relatively large temperature difference between the eggs at the edge and the eggs in the middle of the tray, so turn the eggs several more times. After the egg temperature is basically consistent, turn the eggs once every 4-6 hours. The water in the vat is generally changed 1-2 times a day, and only part of the water is changed each time. During incubation, place a thermometer in the aluminum tray to keep track of temperature changes.

III. Electric Blanket Incubation

First spread a layer of cotton wadding under the electric blanket, then cover the blanket with a layer of cotton blanket, and place several square wooden sticks 3 cm-5 cm across on top. Put the egg tray on the wooden sticks, stacking 2-3 layers, cover with a cotton quilt, and then turn on the electricity for heating. From 10-12 hours after the start of incubation, check the temperature once every 30 minutes. After that, control the temperature through the switch of the electric blanket, turning the eggs, cooling the eggs, and the thickness of the cover. Turn the eggs 5-6 times a day.

IV. Fire Pit Incubation Method

As Qinnongwang mentioned earlier, this method is mainly suitable for the northern regions. Farmers can build an adobe heated kang, then carry out incubation on the kang bed; the method is basically similar to the electric blanket method.

V. Machine Incubation Method

This method mainly uses incubators available on the market. The cost is slightly higher than the previous methods. Any incubator used for hatching poultry eggs can be used to incubate quail.

The above are several quail incubation methods introduced by Qinnongwang for everyone. You can adopt them as appropriate according to actual conditions. Quail incubation is only the first step in quail farming. For more techniques related to quail farming, please continue to follow Qinnongwang.