Snapshot
Quail farming is emerging as one of the most profitable and low-investment poultry businesses in India. With growing demand for quail eggs and meat due to their nutritional benefits, even small-scale farmers and beginners can start earning within a short span. This guide covers everything you need—from setting up your quail farm, choosing the right breeds, cost estimates, housing, feeding, to marketing strategies and profit calculation. Whether you’re a student, homemaker, or aspiring agri-entrepreneur, this step-by-step beginner’s guide will help you confidently launch your quail farming venture.
Quail farming in India is rapidly gaining popularity due to its low investment, fast returns, and rising demand for quail meat and eggs. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring agripreneur, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything — from choosing the right breed to earning profits.
What is Quail Farming?
Quail farming involves raising quails, small ground-dwelling birds, for meat and egg production. These birds are known for their fast growth, high egg yield, and minimal maintenance.
Key Characteristics:
- Belong to the pheasant family.
- Mature quickly (within 5–6 weeks).
- Require less space and feed compared to chickens.
- Suitable for both rural and urban areas.
Highlight:
Quail farming is 5x more space-efficient than chicken farming.
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Why Choose Quail Farming in India?
India’s vast population and rising middle class have increased demand for protein-rich foods. Quail meat and eggs are considered healthier alternatives to chicken, driving market growth.
Major Benefits:
- High returns on low investment
- Quick turnover cycle
- Compact farming is possible even in urban settings
- Growing market for quail products
Market Scope:
According to a recent report, the Indian quail farming market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7%+ in the next 5 years.
| Factor | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Space Needed | 1 sq. ft per 5–6 birds |
| Feed Requirement | 25–30g per bird/day |
| Egg Production | 280–300 eggs/year |
| Maturity Age | 5–6 weeks |
| Mortality Rate | Low (with good hygiene) |
Types of Quail Birds for Farming
Choosing the right breed directly impacts productivity.
Most Common Breeds in India:
- Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)
- Most widely farmed
- Dual purpose (meat + eggs)
- Hardy and easy to rear
- Bobwhite Quail
- Larger body size
- Primarily meat production
- Rain Quail (Indian native)
- Wild breed, less commercial viability
| Breed | Egg Yield/Year | Body Weight (grams) | Farming Purpose |
| Japanese Quail | 280–300 | 120–150 | Eggs + Meat |
| Bobwhite Quail | 220–250 | 200–300 | Meat only |
| Rain Quail | 150–180 | 100–120 | Local/limited use |
Tip:
Start with Japanese quail due to their adaptability and consistent output.
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Licenses and Permissions Required
Small-scale farming doesn’t require strict licensing, but large-scale farms may need permissions.
Basic Requirements:
- NOC from the Animal Husbandry Department
- Farm registration (for subsidies & schemes)
- Pollution clearance for large operations
- FSSAI License (if selling packaged eggs/meat)
Suggestion:
Visit your local agriculture office for updated state-wise regulations.
Quail Farm Setup: Land, Housing & Equipment
Land:
- Minimal land needed. A 10×10 ft shed can rear 500 birds.
Housing Options:
- Cage System (Most Efficient)
- Multi-tier cages save space.
- Easier waste management.
- Deep Litter System
- Suitable for small farms.
- Requires more space and cleaning.
Ideal Conditions:
- Temp: 20–25°C
- Humidity: 50–70%
- Good air circulation and sunlight
Required Equipment:
- Feeders and waterers
- Cages (galvanised or plastic-coated)
- Lighting setup
- Egg trays & collection bins
- Incubators (optional for hatching)
| Item | Cost Estimate (INR) |
| Cage Setup (500 birds) | ₹20,000 |
| Feeders & Waterers | ₹5,000 |
| Lighting & Heat Lamps | ₹3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹2,000 |
| Total Setup Cost | ₹30,000 approx. |
Note:
Ensure rodent-proofing and regular disinfection to avoid infections.
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Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Feed constitutes around 60–70% of total expenses.
Nutritional Requirements:
- Starter Feed (0–2 weeks): 27% protein
- Grower Feed (3–5 weeks): 24% protein
- Layer Feed (6+ weeks): 22% protein, high calcium
| Age Group | Feed Type | Quantity/Day | Notes |
| 0–2 weeks | Starter mash | 10–15g | Crumbled for easy digestion |
| 3–5 weeks | Grower mash | 20–25g | Protein-rich |
| 6+ weeks | Layer mash | 25–30g | Add calcium (limestone) |
Additional Tips:
- Provide clean water at all times
- Include grit/sand to aid digestion
- Use vitamin supplements in water once a week
Breeding & Hatching Process
Quails breed prolifically. Proper breeding ensures high productivity.
Breeding Ratio:
- 1 Male : 3 Females
Egg Handling:
- Collect 3–4 times a day
- Store below 15°C, hatch within 7 days
Incubation:
- Incubator temp: 37.5°C
- Humidity: 60–70%
- Incubation Time: 16–18 days
| Stage | Duration | Requirements |
| Egg Storage | 3–7 days | 12–15°C, low humidity |
| Incubation | 16–18 days | Turn 4–5 times daily |
| Brooding | 2 weeks | 35–37°C to start |
Note:
Fertility rate can go up to 85% with proper conditions.
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Quail Disease Management
Common Diseases:
- Coccidiosis – Diarrhoea, blood in stool
- Ranikhet Disease (Newcastle) – Paralysis, drooping wings
- CRD (Chronic Respiratory Disease) – Sneezing, nasal discharge
Preventive Measures:
- Clean water daily
- Disinfect cages weekly
- Avoid overcrowding
- Use Amprolium for Coccidiosis
| Disease | Symptom | Prevention/Cure |
| Coccidiosis | Bloody stool | Medicated feed, Amprolium |
| Newcastle | Nervous symptoms | Lasota vaccine |
| CRD | Nasal discharge | Antibiotics, cleanliness |
Fact Flash ⚡:
Quarantine new or sick birds for at least 14 days.
Marketing & Selling Quail Products
Sellable Products:
- Quail eggs (raw or pickled)
- Dressed meat
- Fertile eggs
- Day-old chicks
Where to Sell:
- Local wet markets
- Grocery chains
- Hotels & restaurants
- Online platforms
Branding Tips:
- Use hygienic packaging
- Highlight nutritional value (e.g. high protein, low fat)
- Use Instagram/YouTube for farm promotion
| Product | Market Price (INR) |
| Quail Egg | 2.5–4 per egg |
| Dressed Meat | ₹600–800/kg |
| Chicks | ₹50–100 each |
Fact Flash ⚡:
Tie up with local restaurants for regular orders.
Quail Farming Profitability in India
| Item | Value (for 500 Birds) |
| Monthly Egg Yield | 11,000–12,000 eggs |
| Egg Sale @ ₹3 each | ₹33,000–36,000 |
| Monthly Feed Cost | ₹10,000–12,000 |
| Other Expenses | ₹3,000–4,000 |
| Net Monthly Profit | ₹18,000–22,000 |
Fact Flash ⚡: Break-even possible within 3–4 months.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Solution |
| Market Uncertainty | Diversify sales (meat, egg, chicks) |
| High Feed Cost | Use local grains, grow own feed crops |
| Disease Outbreaks | Maintain strict hygiene & monitoring |
| Poor Hatching Rate | Calibrate incubators properly |
Fact Flash ⚡:
Always maintain record-keeping for inventory, expenses, and health tracking.
Expert Tips for Success
- Join poultry WhatsApp groups for updates
- Attend free government training sessions
- Offer farm visits for local school children
- Provide value-added products like pickled eggs
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Conclusion
Quail farming offers one of the fastest-growing opportunities for Indian agripreneurs. With proper planning, a small investment, and marketing, this business can offer quick returns and long-term sustainability.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, especially at scale, it can deliver ₹ 15k-25k profit/month.
Start with at least 200–500 birds for commercial viability.
Yes, vaccines like Lasota help prevent Newcastle disease.
Not advisable due to disease transfer risks.
2–3 years, though they are most productive for 1 year.
Yes, it has more protein and nutrients per gram.
Males have a reddish chest; females have spotted breasts.
20–25°C is ideal for egg-laying.
In a cool, dry place – preferably below 15°C.
State agricultural universities, KVKs, and ICAR centres offer training.
