I have for a long time wanted to keep a few hens for eggs and to move them around to different areas of my orchard via a sliding pen. The problem is the noise factor even without a crowing rooster. It is my understanding from reading but no experience that Coturnix quail might work in my situation. Less noise and they also lay eggs. What do you think about using quail? Any thoughts or comments are welcome.
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I had coturnix several years ago and remember them being very quiet birds. I wouldn’t be worried about the noise at all.
If you have any males in your flock, they will “crow”, but I nothing like a rooster. The are quiet and if you don’t tell people you have them, I’m sure no one will know.
Their eggs are really small though. You would need hundreds to make an omelet!! How about egg-laying ducks??
What about guinea hens?
I like guineas but the noise would get me expelled from our subdivision.
I’ve been dreaming of something similar for a while. From what if read even in an densely populated area it should not be a problem. But i also have my doubts/worries.
I still plan to some day search for some-one who has them (or sells them) and go and visit. to judge for myself.
one thing i did encounter was that they are more sensitive to predator’s (birds of pray, but even large rats) So you would have to have an “safe enclosure” for them to sleep in/retreat to.
anyway ill follow this topic with curiosity.
Muscovy ducks are very quiet and from what I have been told have interesting personalities.
i think the ratio was 3-4 quail eggs for each chicken egg.
When I had my quail, I figured 3 quail eggs to a regular chicken egg. They are small but nutrient dense and delicious. Bonus is they start laying around 6 weeks of age, where most chickens are 20+ weeks.
They also eat a lot less and take up a lot less room.
You can hear the males in this vid…
Females should be ok… but the males do make a pretty loud call.
President George H. W. Bush had a Quayle he called Dan
Was that the famous “Qauyle in the Bush”?
shot one of his hunting partners while pheasant hunting! there are a few breeders that sell texas jumbo quail. might want to check them out.
These quail calls are much quieter than the ducks, mockingbirds and grackles in my neighborhood. Shouldn’t annoy anyone.
trying to fix it .
well it seems his website isnt active anymore. used to be a big hatchery. sorry folks.