Japanese quails stand out from other breeds due to their increased productivity. This bird is easy to care for and produces nutritious but dietary meat. In addition, Japanese quail is characterized by strong immunity to common diseases. However, despite these features, for the successful breeding of this bird, a number of conditions must be met.
Story
The Japanese were able to domesticate quail back in the 11th century. This bird became the progenitor of other birds that settled on farms around the world.Despite such a long history of existence, the Japanese quail appeared among Soviet breeders only in the second half of the last century. And from that moment on, the bird has been popular among domestic breeders.
Description and characteristics of Japanese quails
The Japanese (or silent) quail has the following characteristics:
- the weight of the male and female is 120 and 140 grams, respectively;
- maximum weight - 200 grams;
- life expectancy does not exceed 2.5 years;
- variegated body color - brown feathers with white and black splashes;
- massive beak, curved downwards;
- a characteristic white stripe runs along the head and brow ridges;
- Compact build with closely spaced paws.
Externally, females differ from males in that the latter have a cloacal gland, which, when pressed, releases a foamy liquid. In addition, the former stand out due to their light beak. Females reach sexual maturity earlier than males. This breed is bred mainly for eggs, as the birds are characterized by increased productivity.
The first clutch in females occurs 45 days after birth. As they grow older, the number and quality of eggs increases. Maximum productivity is observed after nine months and for 1.5 years. To get offspring, it is enough to take one male for six females. The fertility rate of this breed reaches 90%.
Advantages and disadvantages
Japanese quails are sensitive to temperature changes. This bird also does not tolerate stressful conditions well.
Maintenance and care
Farmers use three options for keeping quails:
- Floor-standing. This option is suitable if one farm contains a large number of poultry. When keeping quails outdoors, a separate place is allocated with a fence around the perimeter and a net at the top. Small sawdust, peat or hay are used as bedding, which must be poured no more than six centimeters thick.
- In enclosures. This option is less preferable, since in such conditions the productivity of females decreases. Birds should not be separated from each other for a long time.
- In cells. This method of maintenance is considered optimal.
Feeders and drinking bowls for quails should be placed in close proximity to the place of residence. For this breed, it is recommended to use grooved structures.
When breeding Japanese quails, the following conditions must be met:
- The duration of daylight hours should be 16-18 hours. Therefore, it is necessary to supply electricity to the poultry house and install appropriate lamps.
- The humidity level is 50-70%. At lower levels, the bird will be tormented by constant thirst.
- Room temperature – from 18 to 22 degrees (but not less than 15 degrees). Other indicators negatively affect both the condition and productivity of the bird.
When choosing the size of an aviary or cage, you need to focus on the number of quails. On average, a space of 50 centimeters long and 45 centimeters wide is allocated for 15 individuals.The height of the cage or pen should be more than 20 centimeters.
Feeding the breed
It is recommended to feed quails at the same time three times a day. An adult bird eats up to 30 grams of food every day. The nature of the diet depends on the age and current stage of development of the quail. Adults are recommended to give:
- boiled liver;
- wheat;
- corn;
- boiled fish;
- barley groats;
- fresh grass;
- snails, worms and other live food.
To improve digestion, birds need to have access to small stones. Also, drinking bowls with clean water should be located near the pens. Chicks, due to their rapid growth, are fed differently. On the first day of life, young animals are given a 5% glucose solution, after which:
- boiled egg;
- finely chopped greens;
- mealworms;
- cottage cheese with grated rye breadcrumbs;
- beet and carrot tops;
- dandelions.
From the third day of life to a month, feed mixtures containing soybean meal, corn, wheat and fish meal are introduced into the diet. During the egg-laying period, it is recommended to provide food with a large amount of crushed chalk. A mixture of corn, sunflower and soybean meal, yeast, meat and bone meal, corn, wheat and fish is used as vitamin supplements. During this period, you should increase the daily portion to 33 grams.
If quails are bred for meat, then the basis of the diet should be meal (up to 50%), as well as corn and wheat.
Bird breeding
To breed quails, it is recommended to keep one male and three females in one cage. The process takes place without third-party participation. But for better fertilization, each female should be placed next to the male for 15 minutes every 2 hours.
Egg incubation
It is recommended to lay eggs for incubation 5 days after laying.At later stages, the likelihood of having offspring decreases. You should also not store eggs in the refrigerator. To increase the chances of hatching, after laying it is necessary to increase the air humidity in the house. Eggs should be dipped in water before being placed in the incubator. Those that drown are suitable for breeding. Before laying, eggs must be treated with formaldehyde vapor or ultraviolet light.
Incubation is carried out at a temperature of 37.4 degrees and air humidity of 80-90%. Eggs need to be turned 4 times daily. At the same time, if you reduce the humidity level, the chicks will hatch faster (on the 12th day). But doing so is not recommended. This is explained by the fact that chicks hatched ahead of schedule do not have time to collect enough nutrients, as a result of which they appear underdeveloped and weak.
Raising chicks
Quail chicks are able to eat regular food on the first day after hatching. Quails are active during this period. The rules for feeding young animals of the Japanese breed are described above. It should be noted here that as the birds grow older, females and males should be separated into different cages to prevent uncontrolled interbreeding.
Disease Prevention
To prevent diseases, chicks should be given:
- a solution of a liter of water, 0.5 milliliters of vitamin C and glucose - on the first day;
- “Enroflation” - from the second day to the seventh;
- vitamin complex - from the 10th to the 15th day.
During this period, vaccination against worms is carried out. It is also recommended to regularly clean the poultry house, feeders and drinkers.
