By Fiona Gallagher · permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie
“After losing six quail to foxes in my first Tasmanian winter, I learned that electric netting must start before the birds ever touch the ground.”
— Fiona. If you can't eat it, it goes to the chooks.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopThree years of quail on our 12 acres in Tasmania. They lay, they give meat, and they don't need much room—that's the pitch and it holds up. The real decisions are breed, coop design, and where you source stock. Here's what three years of mistakes taught me.
Quail have earned their spot on our 12 acres. They convert a feed bag into eggs faster than anything else I've raised, and they don't need a paddock to do it. But the wrong breed, a poorly thought out setup, or a dodgy supplier will empty your wallet before you collect a single egg. Here's what I've learned the hard way.
| Feature | Coturnix | Bobwhite |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller (150g) | Larger (200g) |
| Egg Production | 200+ eggs/year | 150-180 eggs/year |
| Meat Quality | Lean, gamey | Firmer, less gamey |
| Cost (AUD) | $15–$20 | $20–$25 |
| AS/NZS Standards | Compliant | Compliant |
Quail need 200–300cm² per bird. Use wire mesh (1.5cm spacing) to prevent escape. Avoid plastic as it melts in heat.
| Item | Material | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cage | Galvanised steel (Bunnings) | 150–250 |
| Bedding | Straw or wood shavings | 10–20 |
| Waterer | Plastic (Jaycar) | 20–30 |
| Feeder | Wire mesh (Bunnings) | 15–25 |
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Lighting | 14–16h/day (use LED bulbs) |
| Temperature | 18–25°C (above 30°C reduces output) |
| Diet | Layer pellets + grit (Jaycar) |
| Age | Peak at 6–12 months |
Bunnings: Buy wire mesh, cages, and feed. Search "quail cage" or "wire mesh" (1.5cm spacing). Prices: $15–$300.
Jaycar: Get LED lights and feeders. Search "LED bulb" or "wire mesh" (check AS/NZS 1545 for safety).
Amazon Australia (affiliate link): Quail starter kits from $49.99.
Quail aren't the set-and-forget bird some folk make them out to be. Coturnix lay the eggs, bobwhite put on the meat, and either one gives you proper protein when the grid goes quiet. Start with a handful, count every dollar, and don't skimp on gear that meets AS/NZS standards. I paid $45 for cheap wire at Bunnings once. First wind we copped, it folded like cardboard. Now I only buy proper mesh for the Coturnix pens on this Tasmanian block.
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
Worth a watch: How Many Quail Do I need to Keep For Eating & Breeding · Self Sufficient Me