Why We Raise Quail (and Why You Might Want To, Too)
Apr 21, 2025
🥚 Quail eggs may be small, but their impact is powerful.
From higher iron and B12 to rich flavor and fast-laying birds, these tiny eggs have earned their place on our homestead — and maybe yours, too.
Here’s how quail eggs changed my family’s health — and why we now raise our own flock.
Why We Started Eating Quail Eggs
When my daughter was struggling with severe iron deficiency anemia, we tried everything: weekly IV infusions, diet changes, supplements. Still, her numbers stayed low.
In my search for a more natural solution, I came across an unexpected answer: quail eggs.
These little eggs contain twice the iron of chicken eggs, along with a boost of nutrients like B12, folate, and phosphorous.
After we added them to her diet, she didn’t need another iron infusion — and that moment changed everything. We decided to start raising quail ourselves, right on the farm.
Nutritional Benefits of Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are often considered a nutrient-dense superfood, especially compared to chicken eggs. Here's what makes them special:
✔ Iron: Up to 2x more than chicken eggs
✔ Vitamins: High in B12, A, riboflavin, folate, and phosphorus
✔ Healthy fats: More good cholesterol (HDL) thanks to a higher yolk-to-white ratio
✔ Flavor: Rich, creamy, and slightly sweeter than chicken eggs
They're small, but mighty — especially if you’re looking for natural ways to support iron levels and energy.
Why Raise Quail?
Quail are one of the easiest and most rewarding birds to raise — especially if you have limited space or are just getting started with homesteading.
Here’s why they’re such a good fit:
✔ Fast maturity — they start laying as early as 8 weeks
✔ High egg production — up to 300 eggs per year
✔ Small space needs — perfect for patios, raised pens, or small coops
✔ HOA-friendly — quiet, discreet, and less regulated than chickens
How to Use Quail Eggs
They may be tiny, but they’re just as versatile as chicken eggs (with a little bonus nutrition!).
Here’s how we use them on the farm:
✔ Crack easily — we use quail egg scissors because the shells are surprisingly tough
✔ Cook like chicken eggs — boil, scramble, fry, bake, or blend with other eggs
✔ Meal ideas — add to salads, make mini deviled eggs, or pair with toast for a protein-rich breakfast
Our Quail-Raising Journey
We started with hatching eggs from Meyer Hatchery and raised our first flock here on the homestead. While their care needs are a little different than chickens, quail have been surprisingly low-maintenance and incredibly rewarding to raise.
More than just a food source, raising quail has become a fun, empowering experience for our whole family — and one we’re so glad we said yes to.
Want to Raise Quail Yourself?
If you’re curious about adding quail to your setup, I put everything I wish I had known in one place:
👉 Backyard Quail: A Beginner’s Guide
It’s a clear, practical guide made for first-time keepers.
You’ll learn:
-
Housing, feed, and breed basics
-
Incubation and brooding tips
-
Egg and meat production
-
Daily care routines and real-life advice from our farm
🎁 Bonus: Includes a printable Quail Incubation Calendar to track hatches with ease.
Are Quail Right for You?
If you’re looking for:
✔ A nutrient-dense food source
✔ A low-maintenance livestock option
✔ A family-friendly, small-space homestead project
Quail might just be the perfect next step.
They’ve made a lasting difference for us — and they might do the same for you.
See you on the farm,
- Natalie
Purchasing through affiliate links helps support our blog at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—thank you for your support!
