Quail

Specific needs

• A ground-level enclosure, sheltered from draughts and predators
• A loose substrate and a corner for dust-bathing
• Life in a balanced group (avoid having too many males)

Feeding

• A quail or game-bird feed, high in protein
• Clean water at all times
• Some fresh greens and grit

Habitat & environment

• A low, padded ceiling (quail leap upwards when startled)
• Clean, dry bedding
• Shaded areas and places to hide

Prevention

• Enclosure hygiene and parasite control
• Keeping an eye on behaviour and weight
• Monitoring egg-laying

Vaccination

There is no routine vaccination for pet quail; discuss it with your vet according to your particular keeping situation.

When to see a vet?

• If a bird is listless, has diarrhoea or is injured
• If several birds are affected

At the AuFuret practice

• Health examinations and husbandry advice
• Parasite management
• Treatment as needed

Dr Danielle Frei Perrin regularly appears as a veterinary expert on Swiss public broadcasting (RTS) and in leading French-speaking Swiss media.