Why We Chose Quail Again (And Why They Might Be Perfect for You Too)

Last week, the kids and I placed another round of Coturnix quail eggs into the incubator—this time, feather-sexable and Celadon varieties. It’s not our first go-around with quail, but every batch teaches us something new.

So why quail again?

Let’s just say… we’re hooked.

The Latest from the Farm

 
The long-anticipated box from Meyer Hatchery arrived in perfect condition—carrying the eggs that will become our newest farm additions in just a few weeks.

Looking back, I probably shouldn’t have ordered over a holiday weekend (side note: how is it already June?!). Because of the shipping delay, I let the eggs rest for a full 48 hours before placing them in the incubator—just to be safe.

When I saw Celadon Coturnix quail listed as a new item for 2025, I had to try them. These birds carry a recessive gene that produces stunning, lightly blue-tinted eggs. Meyer Hatchery has selectively bred their flock for “true blue,” which means every hen should lay a blue egg. With how fast they sold out, I’m glad I grabbed some when I did.

We’re already fans of feather-sexable varieties, so adding Celadons to the mix was a no-brainer for our rainbow egg basket.

Why Quail Keep Earning Their Spot Here

Some of you may remember that we first started raising quail when my daughter was dealing with severe iron deficiency anemia. After months of IV iron infusions, I was desperate for a whole food-based solution—and that’s when I discovered just how nutrient-packed quail eggs really are and their amazing healthy benefits.

These tiny eggs are rich in iron, B vitamins, and healthy fats—and they taste great too.

But quail have more going for them than just eggs:

• They start laying as early as 6–8 weeks old
• They’re quieter than chickens (yes, even the roos)
• They take up less space—just 1–3 sq ft per bird
• And they’re more adaptable than most people realize

You can raise them indoors or outdoors, in hutches or low pens. They don’t need nesting boxes, and they’ll lay year-round with enough daylight.

The Underrated Homestead Heroes

If you’ve ever been tight on space, in an HOA, or just wanted to try poultry without building a full-sized coop… quail might be your perfect match.

Just be sure to give them the right setup:

• A low ceiling (under 10") or a high ceiling (6’+) to prevent injuries
• Secure housing—they spook easily and don’t free-range well
• A few hiding spaces with twigs, branches, or a box for comfort

In my opinion, quail are one of the most underrated birds you can raise. They may be small, but the value they bring to a backyard or homestead is huge.

Curious About Quail?

If you’ve been thinking about trying quail—whether for eggs, meat, or just to dip your toes into poultry keeping—I put together a beginner-friendly guide that walks you through everything we’ve learned.

👉 Click here to grab the guide and see if quail might be the perfect fit for your setup.

Thanks for following along on this latest adventure—we’ll share hatching updates soon!