Fall Quail Care Tips: Keeping Your Flock Healthy as Temperatures Drop

As summer fades and crisp autumn air settles in, your quail’s needs begin to shift. Fall is a critical season to prepare your flock for colder weather, changing daylight hours, and the challenges that come with them. Whether you raise quail for eggs, meat, or companionship, a few simple changes can make all the difference in their health and productivity.

1. Prepare for Temperature Swings

Fall often brings unpredictable weather—chilly mornings and warm afternoons. Quail are hardy, but they do best with stable conditions. Here’s how to help:

• Block Drafts: Make sure your cages or coops are well-ventilated but free of direct drafts.
• Insulate Loosely: Add hay, straw, or pine shavings for bedding that helps hold warmth.
• Watch for Dampness: Moist bedding breeds illness. Change it often, especially after rain or cold snaps.

2. Adjust Lighting for Egg Production

Shorter days mean fewer eggs—unless you provide supplemental light. If you’re collecting eggs, aim for 14-16 hours of light daily using a timer and low-wattage bulb. Avoid overheating and keep light indirect to prevent stress.

3. Feed for Energy

As temperatures drop, quail burn more calories staying warm. Transition from summer maintenance rations to a higher-protein feed (20–24%) with a slight increase in daily volume.

• Add Whole Grains: A handful of oats or cracked corn in the evening helps keep their body temp up overnight.
• Offer Grit & Calcium: Fall is still laying season for many flocks, so don’t skimp on oyster shell or grit.

4. Molting Support

Most quail molt in the fall. Expect feather loss, lower egg output, and stress. Support them by:

• Reducing Handling: Molting birds are vulnerable.
• Boosting Nutrition: Add vitamins, especially A and E, and consider a molting-specific supplement.

5. Predator Awareness

With harvest season, predators like foxes, raccoons, and hawks are more active. Double-check fencing, locks, and cover from above. Even in suburban areas, fall brings more risk.

6. Health Checkups

Colder weather can trigger respiratory issues. Catch them early:

• Listen for Sneezing or Wheezing
• Check Droppings for consistency and color
• Quarantine New or Sick Birds

7. Plan for Winter Now

Use fall as your prep window. Fix leaks, clean out old bedding, stock up on feed, and inspect your incubators or heaters. If you’re overwintering outdoors, now’s the time to weatherproof.

Final Thought:

Fall is the season of transition. A little preparation now ensures your quail stay healthy, stress-free, and productive through the colder months ahead. Stay attentive, stay warm—and your birds will too.

🪶 Need supplies? Visit Undique.us  or cold-season-ready gear, feed, and care kits shipped straight from our network of family farms.