Commercial quail farming is the process of keeping quails for the purpose of eggs and meat production. It is a very profitable business and it’s popularity is increasing day by day. Quails are smaller in size as compared to some other common poultry birds, and raising them is very easy and simple. They require relatively less food and less housing space. So, everyone can start small scale quail farming business with a few number of birds.
Quail is actually a small poultry bird that belongs to the Pheasant family. They were wild birds earlier, and were first domesticated in Japan in 1595. Commercial quail farming business was first started in Japan, and today it is done worldwide. Today, quails are available in almost everywhere throughout the world.
Quail eggs and meat are gaining popularity in the market, mainly for their nutritional value. That’s why both demand and price remain high. You can take the advantages of this high demand and value and start commercial production for making good profits.
Starting a commercial quail production business relatively require less land and other investment as compared to other poultry farming business. Even a beginner can start this business in small scale. We always recommend starting any poultry farming in small scale and expand gradually.
Steps for starting commercial quail farming business
Quails are smaller in size as compared to many other domestic poultry birds and raising them is relatively easy and simple. You can start raising quails for making profits even if you are a beginner. Here we are trying to discuss about the important steps for starting and operating a successful quail farming business. Follow the steps mentioned below for starting and operating your business successfully.
Know local regulations or zoning laws
First of all, know the local regulations or zoning laws before starting your quail farming business. Raising quails is not allowed in some areas, and you might face difficulties if you start raising. So, check any local regulations or zoning laws before starting this business. Read further steps if commercial quail production become legal in your area.
Gather practical knowledge/experience
Having practical knowledge or experience is very important for starting and operating any farming business. You can’t start a business and make money suddenly. You have to learn and gather practical experience for managing your farm perfectly. Commercial quail farming is a very common business in many areas. So, having practical knowledge will be relatively easy for you. You can gather practical knowledge or experience from any organizations or from any existing farmers within your area.
Try to visit as many quail farms as possible within your area before starting this business. And doing this is very important, because it will help to broaden your knowledge and experience. As commercial quail production is becoming very common, so there are many options available for completing a training. So, try to complete a training if you have enough facility to do so.
Determine your goal
Determining your goal before starting is very important. A clear and right goal will help to be successful in this business. Determine what you want from this business and set the strategies for achieving your goal. Hard working is the main way to achieve your goal.
Make a good business plan
A good business plan helps to run your business perfectly. So, try to make an effective quail farming business plan before starting and do everything according to the plan. Try to include everything about starting and operating your business from the beginning to marketing your products. You can either prepare the business plan yourself or ask for help from an expert.
Select good location
Not all the locations are good for quail farming business. So, you have to select good location with the availability of all required facilities. Always try to select a location which is far from the residential areas. Calm and quiet place with relatively less noise is considered as best for raising quails. Ensure there is a market available near your selected area for purchasing required things and also for marketing your products easily. Ensure the availability of veterinary service in your selected area.
Determine the products from your farm
Quails are raised for their meat and eggs. Determine which product you want to produce. You can either start meat production or eggs. Or you can start producing both. Both meat and eggs have very good demand and value in the market.
Select good breeds based on your production purpose
Select good quail breeds after determining the products you want to produce from your farm. Not all the quail breeds are good for all production purposes. Some quails are good for meat production, some are good for egg, and some breeds are good for both meat and eggs production purposes. There are actually many different quail breeds available throughout the world. But not all of these breeds are good for commercial production. Some most common and popular quail breeds which are suitable for commercial production are Coturnix, Bobwhite, California, Gambel’s and Japanese quails. You can choose any breed for your business depending on it’s availability and demand in your area.
Make a good house/shelter
Providing your quails with a secure housing system is very important. Quails are very strong and hardy birds, and their housing requirements are minimum. Although, providing your birds with good housing facilities is very important to ensure their good health and also maximum production. Quails are generally raised in indoor system in commercial production. Ensure enough space is available inside the house. Measurement of the house actually depends on your land type and number of birds. Install good ventilation and lighting system inside the house and keep enough hiding and nesting box.
Purchase quail farming equipment
Purchase all the equipment required for commercial quail farming business. Some must have equipment are cages, feeders, waterers, brooders, incubators, egg trays, egg handling supplies, lighting equipment, bedding material, waste disposal system, feed storage bins, quail nets, scale, record keeping tools or accessories, first aid kit, pest control supplies, transport crates, cleaning tools and disinfectants.
Purchase quail chicks
Always try to purchase good quality, healthy and active quail chicks from any reputable suppliers or breeders in your area. Purchasing good quality and healthy chicks is very important, because the quality of chicks affects production. Try to know about the breeding history and health status of parents.
Take good care of the quail chicks
Taking good care of the chicks from the beginning will result good growth and production when they mature. Setup the brooder perfectly before bringing the chicks. Maintain appropriate temperature and provide good quality starter feed. Ensure access to enough clean and fresh drinking water.
Take good care of the growing quails
Growing quails also require some caring. Provide them with good quality grower feed to ensure good growth. Monitor their health on a regular basis and apply required medicines and vaccines.
Feed them nutritious food
Both growing and productive quails require good quality and nutritious food. And providing the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of commercial quail farming business. Providing good quality and nutritious food not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay active and produce more. A good quail feed should contain 20 to 24 percent protein and around 40-50 percent carbohydrates. Small amount of fat and adequate amount of vitamins and minerals are beneficial for these birds.
You can feed your birds either with commercial or homemade feeds depending on your production purpose and availability in your area. You can feed your birds with ready-made commercial quail feeds. Try to maintain a regular schedule for feeding your birds and doing this is very important. Although, feeding schedule depends on the age and type of the birds.
Ensure access to fresh and clean water
Along with feeding the birds with enough good quality and nutritious food, always try to provide them with adequate amount of clean and fresh drinking water. Keeping the birds hydrated is very important, especially during the summer months.
Practice good breeding management
Like many other domestic poultry birds, the quails are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and will produce enough fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of male and female quails. Quails reach maturity faster and they start breeding within their 6-8 weeks of age. For maximum breeding results, keep one male for 2-3 females. Maintaining this ratio will ensure that every female is fertilized adequately and will help to prevent fighting among the males.
Learn about quail diseases and their control
Quails are very strong and hardy birds and are less prone to disease and other problems. Although, just like many other domestic poultry birds, the quails are also susceptible to some common diseases and health problems. As a responsible farmer, you should learn and be aware of these diseases. Try to learn more about common quail disease and health problems before starting a commercial production.
Caring the productive quails
Taking good care of the fully grown and productive quails is very important. Quails are very strong and hardy birds and they generally require less caring. Although, taking additional caring will help the birds to grow better and produce more. So, always try to monitor your birds health on a regular basis and take necessary steps if you notice anything unusual. Vaccinate your birds timely and keep contact with a vet in your area. Always try to provide your birds with enough good quality and nutritious food. Avoid feeding them contaminated feeds and polluted water.
Marketing
Marketing quail products is very easy and simple. Because both meat and eggs of quail are very tasty and nutritious. And both meat and eggs have very good demand and value in the market. Quails are smaller in size and the eggs are also smaller. So the price of egg and meat is relatively less as compared to duck or chicken eggs and meat. And people of all income level can afford quail meat and eggs. So, you don’t have to worry much about starting and marketing your products. You can easily sell your products in the local market. Although we recommend determining your marketing strategies before starting this business.
Calculate total costs and profits
Keep record of all costs from the beginning. And also keep records of income from when you start selling the products. And calculate loss or profit at the last when you sell all the birds. Commercial quail farming is a highly profitable business. You will be able to make good profits if you can do everything perfectly.
These are the common steps and ways for starting and operating a successful duck farming business. Hope you have learned something from this commercial business guide. If you like this guide, consider sharing with your friends and family members. Happy farming!