Little Bean's Garden thanks! I can't wait either :))

Thanks Kelly. There's a lot to do still, and things always look better in the growing season, but I thrilled with what I've managed so far.

We already have 3 other hens orpington,langshan and a leghorn hoping to get a silkie soon fingers crossed

Pavlovafowl Sue, there's amazing advice. Thank you! I need to sit down and watch them properly...and note down any cock birds doing their mating thing. Great to hear about your birds pairing off and breeding. I was always led to believe that was near impossible these days as they'd lost all drive to actually nest and incubate. Fantastic!

Brimwood Farm Hi there, You are welcome. There are two university studies which I refer to in my blog posts which actually mirror what I and others around the world have found when we keep Coturnix quail in a near-as-natural environment and on a quail 'paleo' diet. One of the first things you can try, is to get one of your Barbu d'Anvers (I used to have Barbu de Watermael) or perhaps better still your smallest Anvers/Silkie cross to sit some quail eggs in Spring. These quail chicks will learn first hand what a Mummy is and does, I am sure that this helped mine to remember their instinctive behaviour. Getting the food right though is a major component. The first signal that everything is going well is that the male starts to call in the Spring and shortly afterwards your chosen female should start to lay and make a nest. Good Luck! Sue

Pavlovafowl very interesting! I think I'll try that hatching under a small hen in the spring. I'll also boost their overall insect diet. And now I have another project when I eventually get to the smallholding; LOTS of room to make large runs for quail pairs. :D

It might go even further than you think, I'm sort of presuming you are in the UK and finally after years of dragging their feet, there is to be an organic label throughout Europe for quail. So I'm thinking that would be a good cash crop, organic quail eggs, if you need some revenue for your smallholding? All the very best, Sue

Oh, I didn't know that...I certainly think that might help. I do find a lot of people are wary of quail eggs...simply because they don't know what to do with them. I give a box or two away for free, and almost always people realise how yummy they are! Will be interested to see how an organic label helps...both the price, but also the increased awareness about quail husbandry, better feed, better raising conditions etc.