What Are Coturnix Quail?
Coturnix quail, also known as Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), are a small, fast-growing gamebird originally domesticated in East Asia and now bred worldwide for eggs, meat, and research. They were introduced to the United States in the mid-1900s as an efficient, space-saving alternative to traditional poultry, quickly gaining popularity for their rapid maturity and consistent laying ability. Through the 1980s and 1990s, American breeders refined these birds for larger size, calmer temperament, and higher production, creating the modern Coturnix lines common today. Today, Coturnix quail are one of the most accessible and productive birds in the U.S., widely used in homesteading, education, small-scale agriculture, and sustainable food systems.
Why Coturnix Quail?
Coturnix quail are an ideal choice for many individuals with limited space or experience. We have customers who keep them in high rise apartments to massive farms at this point. These resilient birds can offer a constant supply of eggs and meat, with the complete cycle from egg to adult being completed in 13 weeks. I’ve felt this fact is super important to me as a Veteran as it allows me to have tangible results in a short time period. You feel accomplished in the fact that was an egg is now a perfectly prepared bird on your plate, or the plate of someone in your community, or that egg is a hen now producing an egg a day. This not only keeps you engaged but also rewarded for completing that task, but also excited to achieve that for each individual bird you raise. Being part of Colorado Proud, and Home Grown by Heroes fits as we are committed to locally grown and providing products to continue to strengthen our local community.
Why not Chickens?
Chickens are great birds, but they aren’t always practical for small spaces, tight schedules, or modern neighborhoods. Many HOAs and city governments heavily regulate or restrict chickens, while quail are often completely left out of those rules, giving you far more flexibility. Chickens need larger coops, more space, and make much more noise, which can quickly attract attention—or complaints. Their feed costs are higher, their growth cycle is slower, and you’ll wait much longer to see consistent production. Coturnix quail, on the other hand, stay quiet, grow fast, and thrive in compact, efficient setups that fit almost anywhere. For many new homesteaders, quail offer a smoother, more accessible launch into self-reliance without battling zoning laws or neighborhood politics.
How can Coturnix Quail Help me?
Coturnix quail can support your household by providing a reliable source of fresh, nutrient-dense eggs and meat packed with protein, vitamins, and essential minerals. Their small size and efficient feed conversion make them a cost-effective way to boost food security without needing large infrastructure. Whether you're focused on healthier eating, sustainability, or reducing reliance on store-bought protein, Coturnix quail offer a practical and nutritious solution.
What do I need to Start?
To start your Coturnix journey, all you need is a simple, secure housing setup that keeps your birds protected and comfortable as they grow. Add a dependable heat source for chicks, clean feeders and waterers, and safe bedding—and you’ve already built the foundation for success. With quality feed, fresh water, and a little daily care, you’re fully equipped to launch your own covey and step confidently into the Zero G way of homesteading.
What are the real risks of starting Quail?
Starting Coturnix quail comes with a few real risks—mainly that you’ll love how simple and productive they are, and suddenly your “tiny starter project” turns into a full-scale covey before you even realize you’ve launched. You’ll need to stay on top of temperature control, biosecurity, and daily care, and yes… poop management becomes a regular part of the routine (they may be small, but they are mighty producers). Once you start seeing different colors, patterns, and personalities in your birds, it’s surprisingly hard to stop—there’s a natural urge to collect, improve, and expand your flock just a little more each time.
How have Quail helped us?
Quail have helped us rediscover a sense of mission, giving our family a purpose that feels both immediate and meaningful. Their fast pace and constant cycle of growth allow us to experiment, learn, and complete goals quickly—reminding us what progress and accomplishment feel like on a daily basis. During the egg shortages of 2025, our quail provided not only enough eggs for our own home, but more than enough to share with neighbors and families who were struggling. That experience reconnected us with our community and allowed us to continue the spirit of service we began when we first enlisted. Raising quail has also given us an outlet to teach the value of self-sufficiency, sharing the skills and lessons that help others build independence and resilience. Through education, community support, and a renewed sense of purpose, quail have become far more than a farm project—they’ve become the heartbeat of our mission.
They remind us daily that small actions can create real impact, and that sustainable change often starts with the smallest creatures. Quail have fueled our drive to keep learning, keep improving, and keep lifting others as we climb. In true Zero G fashion, they’ve shown us that when purpose and passion align, even the smallest birds can launch a big mission forward.
I'm ready to learn more!
If you’re ready to learn more, we have a full flight path of resources waiting for you. We offer both online and in-person classes, giving you the flexibility to learn in the way that fits your schedule and comfort level. Our educational blogs, published regularly in our members area, dive deep into care, incubation, housing, genetics, and everything a growing quail keeper needs to know. For those wanting personalized guidance, we also provide one-on-one counseling to help you troubleshoot, plan, and build your confidence step by step. Every part of our education program is built with the Zero G mindset—clear, practical, and focused on helping you launch successfully. And if you’re still on the fence and want a few more basics before jumping in, follow the link below to get started.