There are 130 different types of quails around the world. There are a top notch of quail breeds suitable for the homestead. Each breed offers something different.
The Coturnix is the best quail to raise for profit. It‘s the most popular breed that can produce protein. Because of their rapid growth rate, they are ready for processing at nine weeks of age. These dual purpose breed can lay about 100 to 200 eggs per year and start laying eggs at 6 weeks of age. If you want a bird for both meat, eggs and fast this is the bird for you and your family.
Bobwhite and California quail
The bobwhite quail is the best dual purpose quail breed. They are also raised for sports. They don‘t mature fast like Cortunix so they are not favourite for commercial operation. They lay 200 eggs per year.
California quail is the best ornamental quail breed. They are mostly kept for pleasure and to add an exotic esoteric to the yard or home. They tend to be smaller than Coturnix and Bobwhite. It has very little meat and eggs to be had.
Burton and Blue scale quail
Burton quail can be found in pet stores. They have all the quacks and behavioural traits as the wild quail. They are tiny, smaller and easy to keep in a pen.
Blue scale quail is the best quail to attract. It‘s pretty, exotic looking little quail that does very well in the wild. They are hardy and travel in coveys most of the year. In general, the blue scale is mostly found in the wild unlike Bobwhite and the Coturnix.
Mountain and Montezuma quail
Mountain quails are distinguished by their long slender feather plume or top knot on top of their heads. They are never kept for meat but beauty.
Montezuma quail is a standby, secretive new world quail of Mexico. Also known as Hallequin or Menzes quail. It‘s ugly in shape.
