What to feed quail
What quail eat: game bird or quail layer pellets, how much a day, oyster shell grit for strong shells, safe treats, water, and why chicken feed falls short.
The main food
A quail or game bird layer pellet. Quail need more protein than chickens, so a feed made for them keeps them laying and in good feather. Adults eat roughly 25–35 g a day each. Keep food available all day in a feeder that limits flicking.
| Age | Feed |
|---|---|
| 0–5 weeks | Game bird starter crumb |
| 5–6 weeks onward | Quail or game bird layer or grower feed |
Grit and calcium
Offer oyster shell grit in a separate small dish. Laying hens take what they need. Thin or soft shells mean they need more calcium.
Water
Fresh every day. In summer they drink more, and in winter you'll need to break or swap frozen drinkers.
Treats
A small handful now and then: chopped greens, a little cucumber, seeding grasses, dried mealworms. Treats should be a small part of the diet, not a replacement for proper feed.
Avoid
- Avocado, raw beans, chocolate, mouldy food
- Salty or processed food and kitchen scraps
- Lots of bread or grain, which fill them up without the protein they need
Quick answers
Can quail eat chicken feed?
Do quail need grit?
Checked November 2026. General information, not veterinary advice.