Are your egg numbers dropping off as winter sets in, or have the quail stopped laying altogether? There’s a solution!
The Role of Light in Quail Egg Production:
Just like chickens, quail rely on daylight to regulate their reproductive cycles. As daylight hours shorten during winter, quail tend to decrease their egg-laying frequency or pause altogether. Mine started to slow around October and now in late December they’ve almost completely stopped. However, by strategically implementing artificial lighting, you can mimic longer days, encouraging consistent egg production throughout the winter months.
How to Set Up Lighting for Quail:
- Extended Lighting Hours: Begin by gradually extending the daily light exposure to around 14 to 16 hours total. Use artificial lighting early in the morning or in the evening to supplement natural daylight. I use an extension cord with a timer and set it to come on from 4am to 7am. That’s enough to “extend” my day and keep the quail laying (you can do this for chickens too!)
- Choosing the Right Bulbs: LED bulbs consume less energy and produce less heat compared to traditional bulbs, ensuring safety and efficiency. I use LED string lights (Christmas lights). The wonderful thing is that they are on clearance just after Christmas – right now! You can implement this technique for almost no money. Additionally, they do not cost much to run.
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent lighting schedule to avoid stressing your quail. Sudden changes can disrupt their natural rhythm, so make adjustments gradually over several weeks if you are starting now when they are used to a much shorter day. If you start as the days begin to shorten, it will be much easier for them as there will be no adjustment.
Important Tips for Success:
- Go check your local Walmart or grocery store now for those clearance Christmas lights!
- Healthy, well-fed quail are more likely to respond positively to artificial lighting. Ensure they have a balanced diet rich in essential protein and calcium.
- While artificial lighting can help maintain egg production during winter, it’s essential to strike a balance. Allow quail to have periods of darkness and quiet during the night to rest. Providing a natural rest cycle is crucial for their overall well-being.
- You don’t have to extend daylight hours if you don’t want to, it’s also fine to just let them do their thing naturally! Some prefer this. I no longer hatch chicks through the winter months so I don’t supplement light anymore. If your quail eggs are a food source for you, light could be the way to go!
With a little planning and very little cost, supplemental lighting can be a game-changer in ensuring a steady supply of quail eggs throughout the winter.
Don’t forget to check out the new e-book on all things backyard quail!