Button Quail: The Complete Homestead Guide

Turnix spp. – The World’s Smallest Quail

Quick Reference Stats

Egg Production: 50-100 eggs per year
Maturity: 12-16 weeks
Adult Weight: 1-2 oz
Feed Conversion: 2:1
Space Required: 0.5 sq ft per bird minimum
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Flight Capability: Limited, ground dwellers

Introduction

Button quail, also known as Chinese painted quail or king quail, are the smallest members of the quail family and represent a unique opportunity for homesteaders interested in micro-livestock. These diminutive birds are not true quail but belong to the Turnicidae family, making them more closely related to cranes than to other quail species. Their tiny size, beautiful plumage patterns, and relatively simple care requirements make them ideal for urban homesteaders, apartment dwellers, and those seeking ornamental birds that also provide modest production benefits.

Species Overview

Taxonomy and Classification

Button quail belong to the family Turnicidae, distinct from true quail (Phasianidae). The most commonly kept species include:

Primary Species:

Chinese Painted Quail (Synoicus chinensis): Most common in captivity
Red-breasted Button Quail (Turnix pyrrhothorax): Slightly larger
Barred Button Quail (Turnix suscitator): Hardy and productive
Spotted Button Quail (Turnix ocellatus): Rare, ornamental value

Physical Characteristics

Size and Weight:

Males: 1-1.5 ounces
Females: 1.5-2 ounces
Length: 3-4 inches
Wingspan: 6-8 inches

Sexual Dimorphism: Unlike most bird species, female button quail are larger and more colorful than males. Females display bright blues, oranges, and intricate patterns, while males show more subdued brown and tan coloring. This reverse dimorphism reflects their unique breeding system where females are the dominant sex.

Color Varieties

Common Mutations:

Silver: Pale gray and white
Red-breasted: Bright orange chest markings
Cinnamon: Warm brown base color
Pied: Patches of white mixed with base colors
Blue-faced: Distinctive blue facial markings
Tuxedo: Black and white patterns

Housing Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum Space:

Floor Space: 0.5 square feet per bird absolute minimum
Recommended: 1 square foot per bird for comfort
Height: 8-12 inches (low ceiling prevents injury)
Group Size: 2-6 birds per enclosure

Specialized Housing Needs

Ground-Level Design: Button quail are strictly ground-dwelling birds that rarely fly. Housing should prioritize floor space over height and provide multiple hiding spots.

Essential Features:

Solid Bottom: Prevents escape through wire floors
Multiple Hiding Spots: Small boxes, plants, or decorations
Soft Substrate: Sand, paper, or fine shavings
Easy Cleaning Access: Removable panels or large doors
Draft Protection: Enclosed sides with ventilation at top

Housing Options:

Aquarium Tanks: 40+ gallon tanks work well
Rabbit Cages: Modified with solid bottoms
Custom Aviaries: Built specifically for button quail
Indoor Flight Cages: Large bird cages work for pairs

Environmental Considerations

Temperature Requirements:

Optimal Range: 65-80°F
Minimum: 55°F with shelter
Maximum: 85°F with ventilation
Heat Source: May need supplemental heat in winter

Humidity and Ventilation:

Humidity: 40-60% relative humidity
Ventilation: Adequate airflow without drafts
Air Quality: Low ammonia tolerance, frequent cleaning needed

Feeding and Nutrition

Basic Nutritional Needs

Button quail have high metabolic rates due to their small size and require nutrient-dense, easily digestible feeds.

Protein Requirements:

Chicks (0-8 weeks): 24-28% protein
Growing (8-12 weeks): 18-20% protein
Adults: 16-18% protein maintenance, 20% breeding

Feed Types and Options

Commercial Feeds:

Finch Feed: High-quality finch mix as base diet
Gamebird Starter: For chicks, crumbled finely
Canary Seed Mix: Good adult maintenance feed
Quail Crumbles: If available in small enough size

Supplemental Foods:

Millet: White and red millet varieties
Canary Seed: High-fat content for energy
Egg Food: Commercial or homemade for breeding
Greens: Chickweed, dandelion, lettuce
Insects: Fruit flies, pinhead crickets, mealworm pieces

Feeding Management

Daily Feeding:

Amount: 1-2 teaspoons per bird daily
Method: Scatter feeding preferred
Frequency: Multiple small meals throughout day
Water: Shallow dishes, changed daily

Special Considerations:

Seed Size: Must be small enough for tiny beaks
Fresh Foods: Remove uneaten portions quickly
Grit: Fine grit needed for digestion
Supplements: Vitamin D3 for indoor birds

Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding Behavior

Button quail exhibit polyandrous breeding where females may mate with multiple males and males provide most parental care.

Unique Breeding System:

Female Dominance: Females initiate breeding and may be aggressive
Male Incubation: Males incubate eggs and raise chicks
Multiple Clutches: Females may lay for multiple males
Territorial Behavior: Females defend territories during breeding

Sexual Maturity and Breeding Season

Age at Maturity: 12-16 weeks
Breeding Season: Year-round in captivity with proper conditions
Peak Fertility: 6-18 months of age
Breeding Life: 2-3 years optimal production

Egg Production and Incubation

Laying Patterns:

Clutch Size: 4-8 eggs per clutch
Laying Frequency: Every other day
Annual Production: 50-100 eggs per female
Egg Size: Tiny, about the size of large grapes

Incubation Details:

Natural Incubation: Males brood for 12-13 days
Artificial Incubation: Challenging due to small egg size
Temperature: 99.8°F
Humidity: 55% days 1-10, 65% days 11-13
Turning: Every 2 hours until day 10

Chick Care

Brooding Requirements:

Temperature: Start at 95°F, reduce gradually
Space: Very small spaces prevent chills spreading
Feed: Finely ground gamebird starter or egg food
Water: Extremely shallow containers to prevent drowning
Duration: 3-4 weeks with heat

Critical First Weeks:

Size: Chicks are smaller than bumblebees at hatch
Feed Size: Dust-fine particles only
Hydration: Mist feeding areas lightly
Predation: Protect from larger birds and rodents

Health Management

Common Health Issues

Size-Related Challenges:

Hypothermia: Rapid heat loss due to size
Dehydration: Quick onset, difficult to detect
Injury: Fragile bones, easily damaged
Egg Binding: Relatively common in females

Nutritional Problems:

Protein Deficiency: Poor feathering, weak chicks
Vitamin Deficiencies: Especially A and D3 for indoor birds
Calcium Deficiency: Soft-shelled or thin-shelled eggs
Obesity: Overfeeding in confined spaces

Environmental Stress:

Temperature Fluctuations: Very sensitive to changes
Overcrowding: Aggressive behavior, stress-related illness
Poor Air Quality: Respiratory problems
Noise Stress: Sensitive to loud sounds and vibrations

Disease Prevention

Preventive Care:

Quarantine: 30 days for new birds
Hygiene: Daily cleaning of food and water containers
Observation: Daily health checks for early problem detection
Environmental Control: Stable temperature and humidity

Common Parasites:

External: Mites and lice (rare but serious)
Internal: Roundworms, cecal worms
Prevention: Clean environment, quarantine protocols

Health Monitoring

Daily Observations:

Activity Level: Normal foraging and movement
Appetite: Consistent seed consumption
Respiratory: Clear breathing, no gasping
Droppings: Normal consistency and color

Warning Signs:

Lethargy: Sitting still, fluffed feathers
Breathing Problems: Open-mouth breathing, wheezing
Loss of Appetite: Not eating for 8+ hours
Abnormal Posture: Hunched position, drooping wings

Production Management

Egg Production

Maximizing Laying:

Lighting: 12-14 hours of light daily
Temperature: Consistent 70-75°F
Nutrition: High-quality breeding diet
Stress Reduction: Quiet, stable environment

Egg Collection:

Frequency: Check twice daily
Handling: Extremely delicate, handle minimally
Storage: Use quickly, don’t store long-term
Candling: Difficult due to small size

Ornamental Value

Show Quality Features:

Color Intensity: Bright, clear color patterns
Size: Appropriate size for variety
Condition: Good feather quality and alertness
Breeding Potential: Proven breeding record

Exhibition Considerations:

Stress Tolerance: Show birds must handle transport
Health Certification: May be required for shows
Breeding Records: Documentation of lineage
Training: Gradual habituation to handling

Breeding Stock Management

Selection Criteria:

Health: Robust, disease-free birds
Size: Appropriate size for variety
Fertility: Proven breeding performance
Temperament: Calm, non-aggressive birds

Genetic Management:

Record Keeping: Track lineages to prevent inbreeding
Outcrossing: Introduce new bloodlines regularly
Culling: Remove poor performers and sick birds
Line Breeding: Develop consistent characteristics

Economic Considerations

Startup Costs

Initial Investment:

Birds: $15-50 per pair depending on variety
Housing: $50-200 for complete setup
Equipment: $25-75 for feeders, waterers, accessories
Feed: $20-40 for initial supply

Ongoing Costs:

Feed: $2-5 per bird annually
Bedding: $10-20 annually
Healthcare: $1-5 per bird annually
Utilities: Minimal heating costs

Revenue Potential

Breeding Stock Sales:

Common Varieties: $15-25 per pair
Rare Colors: $30-75 per pair
Show Quality: $50-150 per pair
Day-Old Chicks: $5-15 each

Egg Sales:

Hatching Eggs: $2-5 each
Table Eggs: Novelty market, limited demand
Specialty Market: Gourmet restaurants, premium pricing

Ornamental Market:

Pet Trade: Steady demand for quality pairs
Aviary Birds: Mixed collections, specialty buyers
Educational: Zoos, nature centers, schools

Market Development

Target Customers:

Avian Enthusiasts: Collectors of rare birds
Urban Farmers: Apartment and small-space producers
Educational Institutions: Living classroom animals
Hobbyists: Small-scale breeding projects

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Federal Regulations

USDA Requirements:

Pullorum Testing: May be required for breeding flocks
Interstate Transport: Health certificates for shipping
Commercial Sales: Record-keeping requirements

Fish and Wildlife:

Native Species: Some button quail species protected
Import/Export: CITES permits for international trade
Release Restrictions: Cannot be released into wild

State and Local Laws

Licensing:

Exotic Bird Permits: Required in some states
Business Licenses: For commercial operations
Zoning Compliance: Check local animal regulations

Urban Restrictions:

Noise Ordinances: Males can be vocal
Animal Limits: Number restrictions may apply
Health Departments: Food safety regulations for egg sales

Specialized Care Topics

Indoor Management

Lighting Requirements:

Full Spectrum: UV lighting for vitamin D synthesis
Duration: 12-14 hours daily for breeding
Intensity: Bright enough to stimulate natural behaviors
Cycling: Seasonal variations to trigger breeding

Air Quality:

Ventilation: Essential in closed environments
Humidity Control: Prevent mold and respiratory issues
Temperature Stability: Avoid drafts and fluctuations
Air Filtration: HEPA filters for sensitive birds

Outdoor Management

Predator Protection:

Ground Predators: Rats, mice, snakes, weasels
Aerial Predators: Hawks, owls, crows
Domestic Threats: Cats, dogs, larger poultry
Protection Methods: Hardware cloth, buried barriers, covers

Weather Considerations:

Rain Protection: Covered areas essential
Wind Barriers: Shelter from cold winds
Heat Management: Shade and ventilation in summer
Winter Care: Insulated shelters, supplemental heat

Breeding Program Development

Genetic Planning:

Foundation Stock: Start with unrelated, quality birds
Generation Planning: Map out breeding goals
Record Systems: Track all matings and offspring
Selection Pressure: Focus on key traits

Line Development:

Color Projects: Develop new color varieties
Size Improvement: Select for optimal size
Production Traits: Focus on laying ability
Health Enhancement: Breed for vigor and longevity

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Low Hatch Rates

Possible Causes:

Incubation Issues: Temperature or humidity problems
Nutritional Deficiency: Poor breeder nutrition
Genetic Problems: Inbreeding depression
Age Factors: Old breeding stock

Solutions:

Equipment Calibration: Check incubator accuracy
Diet Improvement: Enhance breeder nutrition
Bloodline Introduction: Add new genetics
Stock Replacement: Replace old breeders

High Mortality

Common Causes:

Temperature Stress: Too hot or cold
Predation: Access by predators
Disease: Infectious agents
Nutritional Issues: Poor diet quality

Prevention Strategies:

Environmental Control: Stable conditions
Security Enhancement: Predator-proof housing
Quarantine Protocols: Isolate new birds
Nutrition Optimization: High-quality feeds

Behavioral Problems

Aggression Issues:

Overcrowding: Reduce bird density
Resource Competition: Provide multiple feeding areas
Breeding Stress: Separate aggressive birds
Environmental Enrichment: Add hiding spots

Breeding Failures:

Incompatible Pairs: Try different combinations
Environmental Stress: Improve conditions
Nutritional Deficiency: Enhance breeding diet
Age Factors: Use prime breeding age birds

Getting Started with Button Quail

Pre-Purchase Planning

Facility Preparation:

Housing Setup: Complete before bird arrival
Equipment Testing: Ensure all systems work
Supplier Identification: Locate feed and supply sources
Veterinary Contact: Find avian-experienced vet

Knowledge Development:

Species Research: Understand specific variety needs
Care Requirements: Master basic husbandry
Breeding Goals: Define objectives clearly
Market Research: Identify potential customers

Initial Flock Selection

Starting Numbers:

Beginner: 1-2 pairs for experience
Hobbyist: 3-5 pairs for small breeding program
Commercial: 10+ pairs for viable business

Source Selection:

Reputable Breeders: Known for quality and health
Health Guarantees: Ensure birds are healthy
Breeding Records: Documentation of lineage
Variety Selection: Choose based on goals and market

First Year Goals

Management Objectives:

Survival Rate: 90%+ survival to maturity
Breeding Success: Successful reproduction
Skill Development: Master daily care routines
Record Establishment: Begin tracking systems

Production Targets:

Egg Production: 30-50 eggs per female
Hatch Rate: 60-70% of fertile eggs
Chick Survival: 80%+ to independence
Market Development: Establish customer base

Advanced Management Techniques

Nutrition Optimization

Custom Feed Mixing:

Base Mix: High-quality finch or canary seed
Protein Addition: Egg food or insect meal
Vitamin Supplements: Especially for breeding birds
Seasonal Adjustments: Higher protein for breeding

Feeding Schedules:

Morning: Primary feeding time
Afternoon: Light feeding or treats
Evening: Small amount before roosting
Breeding: Multiple small meals daily

Environmental Enrichment

Physical Enrichment:

Hiding Spots: Multiple retreat areas
Foraging Opportunities: Scatter feeding
Substrate Variety: Different textures
Perching Options: Low branches or platforms

Behavioral Enrichment:

Social Grouping: Appropriate flock sizes
Activity Stimulation: Moving food locations
Exploration: Rearrange habitat periodically
Natural Behaviors: Dust bathing areas

Health Monitoring Systems

Daily Observations:

Behavior Patterns: Normal activity levels
Feed Consumption: Appetite assessment
Physical Appearance: Posture and alertness
Environmental Conditions: Temperature and humidity

Weekly Assessments:

Weight Monitoring: Track body condition
Feather Quality: Condition and coverage
Reproductive Status: Egg production tracking
Facility Condition: Housing and equipment check

Conclusion

Button quail represent a unique niche in homestead poultry, offering the opportunity to work with the world’s smallest quail species while producing modest but valuable outputs. Their tiny size makes them suitable for urban environments where larger poultry would be impractical, while their beautiful plumage and interesting behaviors provide significant ornamental value.

Success with button quail requires attention to detail, as their small size makes them more vulnerable to environmental fluctuations and management errors. However, their relatively simple housing needs, efficient feed conversion, and steady market demand for breeding stock make them an attractive option for specialized producers.

The key to successful button quail management lies in understanding their unique biology, providing appropriate micro-environments, and developing expertise in handling these delicate birds. While they may not provide the production volumes of larger quail species, button quail offer homesteaders a chance to work with truly specialized livestock while contributing to the preservation and development of these remarkable miniature birds.

Whether pursuing them for ornamental purposes, small-scale production, or specialized breeding projects, button quail can provide years of enjoyment and modest income for dedicated caretakers willing to master their unique requirements.