🐦 Quail Species & Breeds
A comprehensive guide to the most commonly farmed quail species, their characteristics, and best uses.
📊 Species at a Glance
Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica)
Coturnix japonica
The Japanese quail is the most widely farmed quail species in the world. Prized for exceptional egg production (250–300+/year) and rapid growth rate (6–8 weeks to first egg).
🥚 High Egg Production
🍖 Dual Purpose
⏱️ Fast Growth
🌍 Most Popular
Common Quail (Coturnix Coturnix)
Coturnix coturnix
The European or Common quail is the wild ancestor from which many domestic strains derive. 70–120g, 150–200 eggs/year.
🌍 Wild Ancestor
🐦 Migratory
🏆 Hardy
Northern Bobwhite (Colinus Virginianus)
Colinus virginianus
Native to North America, primarily raised for game bird hunting. 170–200g, 100–150 eggs/year, 23-day incubation.
🎯 Game Bird
🍖 Premium Meat
🇺🇸 Native to N. America
King Quail (Coturnix Chinensis)
Synoicus chinensis
Also known as Button Quail. The smallest quail species (30–50g). Primarily kept as aviary birds.
🐦 Smallest Species
🎨 Ornamental
🏠 Indoor Friendly
📊 Species Comparison Chart
| Species | Weight | Eggs/Year | Maturity | Incubation | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese (C. japonica) | 100–150g | 250–300 | 6–8 wks | 17 days | Eggs & Meat |
| Common (C. coturnix) | 70–120g | 150–200 | 8–10 wks | 17 days | Eggs |
| Bobwhite (C. virginianus) | 170–200g | 100–150 | 12–16 wks | 23 days | Meat & Game |
| King (C. chinensis) | 30–50g | 50–80 | 8–10 wks | 16 days | Ornamental |