BROODING
A brooder can be as simple as a box with a light bulb attached - starting at 100 watts and gradually going down to 40 watts as the quail get older and feathers appear.
You will find professionally made brooders on the market at reasonable prices. Many of these have in-built thermostats which save you a lot of time and effort regulating the temperature.
If you look at the chicks, they will tell you with their actions if the temperature is correct... if the chicks huddle all together under the heat source, it is not hot enough and the temperature needs increasing. If the chicks are all spread out as far away as they can away from the heat source and look uncomfortable, it is too hot and the temperature needs decreasing. If the chicks are just wandering around, picking up food etc, then the temperature is correct.
Most quail chicks can be reared on 18% protein chickcrumbs used for chickens or bantams. You can use turkey starter crumbs, when available, which can be as high as 24 or 26% but be careful when feeding such high protein crumbs as it can make the chicks grow too quickly and can cause problems.
