Before we get to when they stop laying, lets talk about when quail start laying and why they might stop.
When do quail start laying eggs?
Unlike most poultry, Coturnix quail will mature quickly at 6-8 weeks. They will begin laying eggs during that time and are typically in full production during the 8th week.
Given normal lighting, good feed, and fresh water they can be expected to lay 200+ eggs that first year. That is a lot of fresh eggs depending on how may laying hens you keep! The egg they lay is smaller than chickens or ducks, so plan accordingly.
Hens do NOT need a rooster to lay eggs. They will lay unfertilized eggs without a male present.
I have noticed with newly hatched quail, that once one of them starts laying it seems to trigger it for the others in the flock over the course of a couple of days.
Why might quail stop laying eggs?
Even during that first highly productive year there are several things that can slow or stop layers.
Change in feed or too low of a protein percentage. 20% plus.
When changing feed type or brand there can be a change in egg laying while the birds adapt. This typically doesn’t last more than a week.
If it continues longer, I would look at your feed to make sure it has at least 20% protein. Feeding a higher percentage is better. Also, that it contains other minerals and calcium needed for egg laying. A good game bird feed should meet all these requirements.
Stress – moving locations or coops, temperature, predators, molting
Any kind of stress can stop a hen from laying. If they are moved or the living quarters are changed, this will cause them to stop, but only for about a week. If only quail could be kept free range.
Molting is when the birds lose old feathers and grow new ones, usually in preparation for winter. During this time their bodies are using all available nutrients to grow feathers and it will curtail egg laying until the new feathers are grown out.
Extreme hot or cold temperatures will cause them to stop laying until they either adjust or temperatures return to normal.
Predator harassment can stop hens from laying. Even in an urban backyard there are raccoons, dogs, and cats that can cause problems. While a strong predator proof coop or cage is a requirement, it will not stop the predators from harassing and trying to get at the quail in your absence. Raising quail requires vigilance against these problems.
Season of the year and reduced daylight hours
As fall progresses into winter the day light hours will diminish. This will trigger the quail to stop laying, just as it would in the wild. No eggs are typically laid during this time.
While it is only mildly controversial for most quail farmers, you can provide artificial light (12-14 hours a day) during this time to force the birds to continue laying.
See my post on Do coturnix quail lay eggs in the winter?
Disease
Not enough time to discuss quail diseases here, but if they are sick they become unproductive. If all the above items have been addressed and your quail are still not laying I would consider disease to be the problem and act appropriately.
When do quail stop laying eggs?
Starting with the second year, quail egg production begins to decline. How quickly this declines happens can be affected by whether or not you kept them laying all year with artificial lighting or not. Giving a winter break the decline with be less dramatic, like from daily eggs the first year to 5 – 6 per week the second year. Each quail is born with a finite number of eggs and when those are gone, she will stop laying.
All things considered they can continue to lay eggs as long as they live, just at a diminished rate with each passing year. Domestic quail average about 3-5 years of life expectancy if you allow them normal lighting and winters between laying seasons.
Quail farming can be a lot of work, but worth it in the end.
The post When do quails stop laying eggs? appeared first on Backyard Quail.
