Celadon Coturnix Quail 

Celadon Quail are a unique variety of Coturnix Quail that lay a distinctive blue-green eggshell color. This color is a result of a specific gene mutation that changes the eggshell color from tan/cream colored egg with coffee stain-colored blotches, to a pale blue egg with (sometimes) small speckles that can be picked off with your fingernail. 

The Celadon gene is inherited in a recessive manner, meaning both parents must carry the gene in order to produce offspring who will lay a celadon egg. This is a recessive trait so egg color can never be guaranteed. With careful breeding, you can have true-blue layers in just a couple years.

Aside from their eye-catching eggs, Celadon Quail look the same as other varieties of Coturnix Quail. They have a compact body, small beak, and several types of feather patterns. They are generally easy to care for and are popular among quail enthusiasts and hobbyists.

Quail in general have an amazing turnover rate. From Hatching to laying they will only take about 8-10 weeks (give or take). Celadon Quail were once called rare but have since become more popular. 

Celadon Quail Eggs

Coturnix Quail Care

Coturnix Quail are small birds weighing an average of only 6-7 ounces. Because these birds are so small, they tend to be rather delicate. There are a few differences in raising them as opposed to raising chickens, or turkeys.

Quail must be kept in a cage/pen no more than 24 inches tall or they can be kept in an aviary that is at least 6ft tall. Quail are flighty birds, and by keeping them in something that isn't very tall only allows them to jump up, reducing the risk of an injury. This is also a much better set up for a breeder, and it allows you to monitor your birds more closely for injury or disease. Keeping Quail in an aviary, allows the birds to fly around, but it also poses a risk of birds getting injured by flying into things. I said they were small, not smart. Quail kept in an aviary can also have branches and hides added to allow the birds places to to climb/hide in. Though quail are ground dwelling birds, and will not roost on things, they might enjoy the extra enrichment. 

Coturnix Quail are seasonal Layers, which means generally speaking they only lay during the warmer months in chick the days are longer, you can supplement light by adding some sting lights to a cage/pen or even a light bulb to an aviary. by giving extra lighting, your birds may lay year-round. 

Quail are considered game birds, some people choose to raise them to train bird dogs, others choose to raise them for egg or meat production. quail do require a game birds feed, or a higher protein feed. We feed a meat bird feed with 21% protein.