Care Guide - week 1 to 4

This guide covers the essential care requirements for Button Quail chicks from hatching through to four weeks of age. During this period, chicks grow rapidly and rely entirely on correct heat, nutrition, hygiene, and observation to thrive. 

Brooder Setup and Temperature 

Newly hatched Button Quail chicks require a warm, secure brooder that allows them to move freely between heat and cooler areas. 

Begin with a temperature of 35°C / 95°F at chick level. Reduce the temperature gradually by 2–3°C each week. Temperature should always be judged primarily by chick behaviour rather than numbers alone. 

Chicks that are evenly spread, active, and quiet are comfortable. Huddling tightly indicates they are too cold, while avoiding the heat source suggests overheating. There must always be an area within the brooder where chicks can move completely away from the heat. 

Brooder Plates (Recommended) 

We strongly recommend using a brooder plate. Brooder plates are safer, easier to manage, and more natural for chicks than heat lamps. They allow chicks to regulate their own temperature without the risks associated with overhead heat. 

For the first few days, keep the brooder plate in its lowest position. Chicks should be able to walk underneath and press their backs comfortably against the warm underside. 

When chicks are first placed into the brooder, they may not immediately recognise where the heat source is. It is often necessary to gently scooch or guide them underneath the plate so they can feel the warmth and learn where to return when they need heat. This is completely normal and is usually only required during the first day or two. 

As chicks grow from day old to 21 days, raise the brooder plate by approximately 5 cm per week. Tilting the plate slightly so one side is higher than the other allows chicks to choose the most comfortable temperature. 

As long as chicks can fit underneath without struggling and can press their backs against the plate, a thermometer is not required, as brooder plates are preset to the correct temperature. 

Heat Lamps 

If using a heat lamp, the same principles apply. There must be enough space for chicks to move completely out of the heated area. 

Place a thermometer on the brooder floor directly beneath the heat source and adjust the lamp height to achieve 35°C initially. The lamp should then be raised gradually each week. 

Heat lamps require careful setup and monitoring and pose a higher fire risk. For this reason, brooder plates are strongly preferred. 

When to Remove Heat 

If chicks are raised indoors at normal room temperature, heat can usually be removed between three and four weeks, once chicks are sufficiently feathered. We typically wait until week four to ensure adequate feather coverage. 

If chicks are raised outdoors or in rooms below 16–18°C, supplementary heat may be required for five to six weeks. Continue providing heat until chicks are fully feathered. 

In very cold conditions, even adult Button Quail may benefit from supplementary heat, particularly below 0°C. A wind-proof, dry shelter with deep bedding is essential. During colder periods, birds may require a slightly higher fat and protein diet. 

Feeding and Water 

Feeding 

Button Quail chicks require a high-protein starter feed to support their rapid growth. A protein level of 26–30% is recommended. 

For the first week, the feed should be ground into smaller pieces using a mortar and pestle or by briefly pulsing it in a blender. This makes it easier for chicks to eat and reduces waste. 

Feed must be available at all times. 

Lightly tapping the feed with a finger can help simulate a hen showing her chicks where to eat and often encourages feeding. 

Water 

Use shallow water containers and add gravel, marbles, or small stones to prevent drowning. Ensure chicks can easily reach the water. 

Water should be changed every 24 hours, or immediately if it becomes soiled. Fresh water must always be available. 

When placing chicks into the brooder, gently dip each chick’s beak into the water to show them where it is. Ensure every chick has taken a drink. 

Observe chicks closely during the first few hours to confirm they can locate food, water, and heat, and that they appear alert and active. 

Substrate, Housing, and Hygiene 

Days 0–7 

For the first week, use non-slip surfaces such as paper towel or puppy pads. Replace them as soon as they become soiled. 

Avoid smooth or slippery flooring, as this interferes with leg development and is the most common cause of splay leg. 

Large plastic storage containers make effective brooders. They are easy to clean and allow good visibility. The sides should be covered so chicks cannot see out, as they may attempt to run into the plastic and injure themselves. 

Lining the inside walls with puppy pads is recommended, leaving one side uncovered near the heat source. A towel can be placed externally over this side and removed when checking on the chicks to minimise disturbance. 

The brooder should not be excessively large. Chicks must be able to easily find food, water, and heat without becoming lost. 

Avoid enclosed vivarium-style housing. Button Quail have extremely delicate lungs and require good ventilation. 

If using mesh housing, be aware that even adult Button Quail can squeeze through chicken wire. Use ½-inch mesh from one week of age onwards, or securely cover larger openings. 

Pasty Vent 

Chicks should be checked daily for signs of pasty vent. This occurs when droppings stick to the down around the vent and harden, potentially blocking waste from passing. If untreated, this can be fatal. 

Signs include persistent loud distress calls that differ from normal chirping, reduced activity, decreased appetite, slow development, or noticeably smaller size compared to other chicks. 

From 7 Days Old 

From seven days of age, chicks can be moved onto more suitable substrates such as dust-extracted wood shavings, hemp bedding, paper-based bedding, or sand and soil mixes. 

Avoid dusty materials and fine sawdust. Bedding must be kept dry at all times. 

Spot clean daily where possible, replace soiled bedding promptly, and carry out regular full cleans to maintain hygiene. 

If chicks were housed in a plastic brooder during the first week, they should now be moved into a cage with a secure roof. Although they cannot yet fly, they are extremely active and capable of jumping out. 

Grit 

From seven days of age, grit must be introduced. All birds require grit throughout their lives to aid digestion, particularly when insects or seeds are included in the diet. 

Ensure the grit is suitable for Button Quail. Standard poultry or chicken grit is far too large. A grit size of approximately 1–2.5 mm is recommended. 

Dust Bathing 

Dust bathing is a natural and essential behaviour for Button Quail and plays an important role in feather care, parasite control, and overall physical and mental wellbeing. 

Regular dust bathing helps keep feathers clean by absorbing excess oils, supports healthy feather development, and reduces the risk of external parasites. It also provides valuable enrichment, allowing chicks to practise instinctive adult behaviours and build confidence. 

A shallow dust bath can be introduced from 7–10 days of age, once chicks are steady on their feet and no longer housed on paper towel or puppy pads. Younger chicks may investigate briefly, but regular dust bathing usually increases as feathering develops. 

Use a fine, dry, dust-extracted material such as fine play sand, soil-based sand mixes, or purpose-made quail dust bath products. Avoid dusty powders, sharp sand, cat litter, or chemically treated materials, as these can irritate the lungs or skin. You can also mix in grit with the dustbath. 

Provide a shallow, stable container and place it away from food and water to keep it clean and dry. Remove and clean the bath if it becomes damp or heavily soiled. Ensure to replace the material regularly. 

Rolling, shuffling, flicking dust over the back, or lying briefly on the side are all normal behaviours. Some chicks take longer to show interest, which is also normal. 

Signs include persistent loud distress calls that differ from normal chirping, reduced activity, decreased appetite, slow development, or noticeably smaller size compared to other chicks. 

Behaviour and Handling 

If you would like chicks to become accustomed to handling, gently handle them several times a day from day one. Keep handling sessions short to avoid stress or chilling. 

Scoop chicks gently into your hand and hold them against your chest or under your chin to help keep them warm. 

Be aware that frequent handling may increase dependence on human interaction, which can result in loud calling. 

Soft, quiet cheeps indicate content chicks. Louder or sharper calls usually signal distress and should be investigated promptly. 

Treats, Enrichment, and Trust Building 

Small treats can be introduced sparingly from around one week of age, beginning with very small live or dried mealworms or finely chopped leafy greens. 

From three weeks of age, chicks can enjoy a wider variety of treats, including fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, mint, and oregano, as well as small seeds like millet, quinoa, and canary grass seed. 

Our specialty Button Quail treat mix can also be introduced from three weeks of age. This mix is specifically designed for tiny beaks and encourages natural foraging behaviour while providing safe dietary variety. 

Treat feeding is an excellent way to build trust. Offering treats by hand, where possible, can help chicks become more comfortable around people, although patience is required. Button Quail have very individual personalities. Some are naturally confident, while others are more reserved. Males tend to be more confident and personable overall. 

Feather Development 

As feathers begin to grow, chicks often go through a temporary stage where they become more flighty and less tolerant of handling. This is a normal part of development and is sometimes referred to as ‘the teenage phase.’ 

This phase is temporary. As chicks reach maturity, they typically settle again and become more confident as their adult personalities develop. 

❓How often should I check on my chicks? 

Chicks should be checked several times daily, especially during the first week. Observation is more important than handling. Active chicks that are eating, drinking, and resting normally are generally thriving. 

❓Is it normal for chicks to grow at different rates? 

Yes. Differences in size, feathering, and confidence are normal, even within the same hatch, as long as chicks are active, eating and drinking. 

❓How do I know if the brooder temperature is correct? 

Chicks should be evenly spread and calm. Huddling indicates cold, while avoiding the heat suggests overheating. 

❓Do I need a thermometer with a brooder plate? 

No. As long as chicks can comfortably fit underneath and press their backs against the plate, a thermometer is not required. 

❓When can I stop using heat? 

Indoors, heat can usually be removed between three and four weeks. In cooler environments, heat may be needed for up to six weeks. 

❓Why must feed be ground during the first week? 

Button Quail chicks have extremely small beaks. Grinding the feed makes it easier to eat and reduces waste. 

❓When should grit be introduced? 

Grit should be introduced from seven days of age and must be very fine. 

❓When can chicks start dust bathing? 

A shallow dust bath can be offered from 7–10 days of age, once chicks are steady and off smooth flooring. 

❓Why has my chick suddenly become skittish?

 
This is normal during feather development. The behaviour is temporary and usually resolves as chicks mature. 

Will this phase affect bonding? 
No. With patience and gentle interaction, long-term trust is not affected.