Good Feeding Management During the Quail Growing Period Builds a Solid Foundation for the Start of Laying

The growing period of quail generally refers to the growth stage from the time the chicks are taken off heat until sexual maturity and the start of laying, mostly lasting from about three weeks of age to around six weeks of age. During this period the quail's bones, muscles and feathers develop rapidly, and the reproductive system gradually matures, so the level of feeding directly affects future laying performance and breeding value.

Growing quail are relatively sensitive to environmental changes, so the temperature should be gradually transitioned from brooding temperature to normal temperature, avoiding sudden removal of heat that can trigger stress. In terms of feed, the brooding feed should be switched to a growing feed with a slightly lower protein level, to prevent the quail from becoming too fat and affecting the start of laying. The light period should not be too long or too intense, to avoid sexual maturity occurring too early and laying starting ahead of schedule, which leads to smaller egg weight.

At this stage, flock splitting should also be done in time, raising male and female quail separately, and selecting individuals to keep for breeding according to body size, feathers and mental state. Male quail not kept for breeding and culled female quail can be transferred to fattening to improve overall breeding efficiency. As the quail grow, the stocking density should also be lowered accordingly, keeping the house ventilated and dry with clean litter.

Common problems during the growing period include feather pecking and cannibalism, uneven body weight and respiratory diseases, mostly related to excessive density, nutritional imbalance or poor ventilation. In daily management, attention should be paid to observing feed intake and the state of droppings, and individuals found standing motionless or in poor spirits should be isolated and handled promptly, while disinfection and vaccination connections should be carried out well so that the quail enter the laying period in good condition.