Are quail quieter than chickens?

Generally yes, especially hens — quail are a common choice for people wanting backyard eggs without the noise level of a chicken flock, though males can still be vocal.

Do I need a permit to keep quail in a Canadian city?

Possibly — many municipalities classify quail alongside other backyard poultry or livestock and may require permits or restrict numbers. Check your local animal control and zoning bylaws before setting up a coop.

Animal care guide

Quail Care Guide

Coturnix japonica

Coturnix quail start laying eggs at roughly 6-8 weeks old — faster than almost any other backyard poultry option — which is part of why they've become a popular small-space alternative to chickens.

Lifespan

2-3 years typical, occasionally longer with good care

Adult size

Small — roughly 140-180g, about the size of a softball

Diet

Game bird or quail-specific feed (24-28% protein), higher than standard chicken feed

Temperament

Skittish and fast-moving; generally not a handling bird

Housing

Coop or aviary with roughly 1 sq ft of floor space per bird minimum

Legal notes

Check municipal bylaws on backyard poultry/livestock — some cities restrict or require permits even for small game birds

Coturnix quail are a compact, quiet alternative to backyard chickens — they take up far less space, start laying within weeks rather than months, and are legal in some areas where chickens aren't classified the same way. That said, they still count as poultry or livestock under many municipal bylaws, so it's worth checking local rules before setting up a coop.

Coop & aviary setup

Provide at least 1 square foot of floor space per bird, more if kept in mixed groups or breeding pairs
Use a covered enclosure — quail rarely fly high but can flush upward suddenly and injure themselves on low ceilings, so keep tops padded or soft if height is limited
Provide solid flooring with soft bedding rather than wire, which can injure quail feet
Keep the enclosure predator-proof at all levels, since quail are small and vulnerable to cats, rodents, and birds of prey
Provide a dust bathing area, which quail use for feather maintenance

Diet & feeding

Feed a game bird or quail starter/grower feed rather than standard chicken feed, since quail need higher protein (roughly 24-28%)
Switch to a layer-formulated game bird feed once egg production begins, with grit and calcium available separately
Provide constant access to fresh, shallow water — quail can drown in deep, open dishes
Offer occasional greens or mealworms as treats in moderation

Egg-laying

Coturnix quail commonly begin laying at roughly 6-8 weeks of age, much earlier than chickens
A healthy hen can lay close to one egg per day under good conditions
Supplemental light in fall/winter can help maintain laying through Canadian winters, though rest periods are normal and healthy
Provide low, shallow nesting spots since quail don't use elevated nest boxes the way chickens do

Behaviour & noise level

Quail are generally much quieter than chickens, particularly hens, making them more suitable for close neighbours
Males can be more vocal, especially when establishing territory or calling
Keep one male per small group of females to reduce fighting and overbreeding stress
Quail startle easily — sudden movement or loud noise can cause them to flush upward and injure themselves

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Frequently asked questions

Coturnix quail typically begin laying at around 6-8 weeks old, considerably earlier than chickens, which usually start closer to 5-6 months.