Quail Farming for Aussie Off-Grid: Coturnix vs Bobwhite & Incubation

By Fiona Gallagher · permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie

“After losing my first batch of twenty-five Coturnix eggs to humidity in my Tassie shed, I learned that Bobwhite quail simply cannot survive our damp climate without a heated incubator.”

Forget the hype. Quail farming isn't a hobby for lazy Aussies. It's work. But if you're off-grid and need cheap protein, Coturnix quail are the only option. Bobwhite? Waste of space. We'll cut through the BS.

Coturnix vs Bobwhite: The Only Real Choice

Bobwhite quail are a total joke in Australia. They're native to North America, not suited to our climate, and won't lay eggs consistently. You'll spend more on feed than you get back. Skip them.

Coturnix (Japanese quail) are the only viable option. They:

• Lay 250+ eggs/year (small, but packed with protein)
• Reach slaughter weight in 6 weeks (vs 12+ for chickens)
• Need 1/10th the space of chickens
• Don't care about our weather (as long as you give them shelter)

Incubation: Don't Be a Dummy

Quail eggs hatch in 17-18 days. Get this wrong and you're throwing money away. Here's how to do it right:

• Temperature: 37.5°C (38°C max). Use a digital thermometer. Cheap heat lamps? Fail. Get a proper incubator.
• Humidity: 50% until day 15, then 65-70%. Use a hygrometer. No guessing.
• Turning: Turn eggs 3x daily. Stop turning on day 15. If you don't, chicks die.
• Don't skip the incubator: A $150 Brinsea Mini (available at Poultry World) beats any DIY setup. Chinese incubators ($80-$120) work if you test them first.

Practical Aussie Tips: No Fluff

Housing: Wire mesh cage (1m x 1m for 10 birds). Must be predator-proof (snakes, foxes, cats). Roof overhang to keep rain off. No need for fancy sheds – just a covered, dry space.

Feed: Quail pellets only. Don't try to make your own. It's not worth the hassle. $18 for 20kg bag at Rural Supplies or Poultry World. They eat 20g/day/bird – 10 birds need 1kg/week.

Climate: Below 5°C? Add a heat lamp (100W bulb) in the coop. Over 35°C? Shade and misting. They'll stop laying if it's too hot/cold.

Profitability: 10 birds = 200+ eggs/month. Sell eggs for $1.50/dozen (local markets). Meat: 10 birds = 2kg meat. Slaughter at 6 weeks. You'll cover feed costs in 3 months.

The Bottom Line

Bobwhite quail? Not happening. Coturnix are the only way. Get a proper incubator. Buy chicks from a local supplier. Feed them pellets. Keep them dry and warm. You'll have eggs and meat in 6 weeks. No magic. Just work. If you're off-grid and need protein, this is the fastest, cheapest way. Stop overcomplicating it.

When to Call a Professional

While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:

• Electrical work beyond basic 12V DC additions — requires a licensed electrician
• Structural modifications to buildings or load-bearing elements
• Gas line installation or modification
• Solar array installations above safe voltage thresholds
• Any work that affects the structural integrity of your property

Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.