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Quail

Coturnix japonica; Coturnix coturnix

Also known as: Japanese quail, Coturnix quail

Quail are small, fast-maturing game birds farmed worldwide for eggs and meat. Their short generation interval and compact size make them well suited to intensive commercial systems as well as small-scale backyard production.

Dated referenceLast reviewed: 2026-07-12Updated: 2026-07-12
Illustrative diagram · AgricultureID (original)

Farmed quail, most commonly the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and common quail (Coturnix coturnix), are among the smallest commercially farmed poultry species. Their rapid growth and short time to sexual maturity — often only a few weeks — make them attractive for both egg and meat production, and they are farmed across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

As monogastric poultry, quail digest grain-based rations efficiently and require relatively little space per bird compared with larger poultry. This supports high stocking densities in commercial operations alongside a long tradition of small-scale and backyard keeping.

Overview

Quail production is generally split between egg-laying operations and meat production, with the species’ rapid life cycle making it attractive for both commercial enterprises and hobbyist or smallholder keeping.

Types and breeds

Layer strains
Selected for early, sustained egg production.
Meat (broiler) strains
Selected for rapid growth and carcass yield.
Game and conservation quail
Species such as bobwhite quail reared regionally for hunting release or conservation programmes.

Breed and strain diversity is documented internationally, including through FAO’s Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS), which records poultry genetic resources by country.

Nutrition and feeding

Quail are fed formulated starter, grower, and layer rations with relatively high protein content to match their fast growth and early lay. Fresh water and consistent feed access are especially important given their small body size and rapid metabolism.

Health and welfare

High stocking densities common in commercial quail systems make biosecurity, ventilation, and stress reduction particularly important, alongside routine monitoring for disease and appropriate space allowances.

Production context

Quail offer a quick production turnover and relatively low space and feed requirements, supporting their role in diversified poultry markets and smallholder income generation alongside larger commercial poultry species.

Relationships

Evidence-backed connections in the knowledge graph.

Climate sensitivity

Commonly raised in

Feeds on

Related topics

Scope & limitations

Geographic scope: Global overview; farming scale, regulation, and market structure for quail vary widely by country and region.

Climate context: Commercially farmed quail are typically raised in climate-controlled or semi-controlled housing; extreme heat and cold both require management attention given their small body size.

  • This is a general species overview, not a system- or region-specific production guide.
  • Health, medicine, and welfare practices are governed by local regulation and veterinary advice and are not detailed here.

Sources

This article draws on the following authoritative sources. See our sources & methodology for how they are selected.

  1. [1]FAO — Food and Agriculture Organization (opens in a new tab)

    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

    Authoritative

    Cited for: Quail production systems and global role

    Type:
    Intergovernmental organization
    Jurisdiction:
    Global
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12
  2. [2]DAD-IS — Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (opens in a new tab)

    FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

    Authoritative

    Cited for: Quail genetic resources and diversity

    Type:
    Official registry
    Jurisdiction:
    Global
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12
  3. [3]USDA ARS — Agricultural Research Service (opens in a new tab)

    USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

    Authoritative

    Cited for: Poultry nutrition and production research

    Type:
    Government agency
    Jurisdiction:
    United States
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12
  4. [4]WOAH — World Organisation for Animal Health (opens in a new tab)

    World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

    Authoritative

    Cited for: Animal health and welfare standards

    Type:
    Intergovernmental organization
    Jurisdiction:
    Global
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12

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