Feed 

At around four weeks of age (28 days), chicks can be moved from super starter crumb onto a quail grower feed. We recommend Heygates Quail Grower Pellets. 

Chicks can remain on starter crumb until six weeks without any issues. However, we generally recommend transitioning to grower pellets from week four to support continued development. 

Feed & water should remain available at all times. 

Sexing and colours 

By this stage most colour varieties can usually be identified, although birds will not yet have their full adult colouring. Our Button Quail Colours page may help you identify your bird’s colour. 

Some birds may begin to develop a red coloration near the hind area. This will usually appear gradually, often only a few feathers at a time, and confirms that the bird is male. 

Some birds may also begin to develop a more defined chest bib. In certain colour varieties a clear bib can indicate a male. However, some female colour varieties (such as silver) show slight bibbing as well, so this should not be used as the sole method of determining sex. 

The absence of red feathers does not necessarily mean a bird is female. Some colour varieties are monomorphic, meaning males and females look identical (for example fully white birds). Some males may also take longer to develop their red feathers. 

Behaviour 

Between four and six weeks of age, quail may appear slightly more timid and may interact less with you. This does not occur with every brood, but it is common enough that it is worth mentioning. 

Many birds go through a short phase where they become more cautious or less social. This behaviour usually passes, and trust can often be rebuilt with patience and the occasional treat. 

It is also worth remembering that Button Quail are only partially domesticated. Although they have been bred in captivity for many generations and are well suited to aviary life, they still retain many natural wild traits. Some individuals may become very friendly and social, while others may always remain a little flighty. This is normal and simply part of their natural behaviour. 

Pecking order 

At this age birds may begin establishing their pecking order, which can result in some chasing or minor fighting. This behaviour is usually most noticeable between males and is often normal. 

Occasionally a particularly aggressive bird may emerge that persistently targets others. If one bird is continually being picked on, it should be removed and placed in a separate enclosure to recover, and the aggressive bird should be removed. 

Injuries 

Any bird that is bleeding should be removed from the group unless it can be closely supervised. Quail are naturally attracted to the colour red and may peck at injured birds, which can quickly worsen the injury. 

This behaviour is not always aggressive, as birds may peck out of curiosity or attempt to preen the injured area. This attraction to red is also why many poultry feeders and drinkers are coloured red. 

FAQs (Weeks 4–6) 

❓Why are my quail suddenly more shy? 

❓Is fighting normal at this age? 

Some chasing and pecking can occur as birds establish their pecking order. This behaviour is usually short-lived. However, persistent aggression or injury should be addressed by separating the birds.

❓When do Button Quail start acting like adults? 

Between four and six weeks many birds begin showing more adult behaviours, such as establishing hierarchy, exploring more actively, and becoming more independent. 

❓When do Males start crowing? 

Male Button Quail may begin making their adult crowing or calling sounds from around four to five weeks of age, although this varies between individuals. 

❓When can Button Quail move to their permanent enclosure? 

Many birds can move into their permanent enclosure around four to six weeks of age once they are fully feathered and no longer require supplemental heat. But indoors they can move to their permanent set-up from 1week+ if you can still provide their heating element. 

❓When do Button Quail start laying eggs? 

Females typically begin laying eggs between six and eight weeks of age, although this can vary depending on diet, lighting, and environmental conditions.