A quail tale

Quail! Their diminutive size and excellent egg lay make them a practical addition to even the smallest backyard. They’re relatively hardy, the hens are quiet, and if you don’t plan to breed them you won’t need Mr Quail.

There are numerous breeds of quail and until recently they were kept either as an ornamental aviary bird or for commercial meat production.

The breed sought for the backyard or permaculture property is the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica. The genetics come from the commercial industry, so the breed is relatively quiet as well as a good egg producer and table bird.

Some people refer to it as a Coturnix quail,