6 Best Quail Starter Feed For Fast Growth That Prevent Common Issues
Choosing the right starter feed is vital for quail chicks. Explore our top 6 picks that ensure rapid growth and prevent common nutritional deficiencies.
You open the brooder and see a dozen tiny, buzzing quail chicks, no bigger than your thumb. They are incredibly fragile in these first few days, and their explosive growth rate demands very specific nutrition. Getting their first feed right is the single most important step you can take to ensure they thrive, avoiding the common pitfalls that lead to leg issues, stunted growth, and mortality.
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Why High-Protein Feed is Key for Quail Chicks
Quail are not like chickens. Their growth in the first few weeks is astonishingly fast, and that biological sprint requires high-octane fuel in the form of protein.
A standard chicken starter feed, typically around 20-22% protein, simply won’t cut it. Quail chicks need a game bird starter with at least 28% protein, and many do best on 30%. This protein builds everything—muscle, organs, and the dense feathering they need to develop in just a few weeks.
Feeding a lower-protein diet is a recipe for problems. You’ll see "failure to thrive," where chicks seem weak and listless. It’s a leading cause of splayed leg and other developmental issues because their bodies can’t build structure fast enough to support their weight. A strong start on high-protein feed translates directly to healthier adult birds, whether for eggs or meat.
Manna Pro Gamebird Crumbles for Peak Growth
If you walk into most feed stores, Manna Pro Gamebird/Turkey Starter is one of the most common options you’ll find. It’s a go-to for a reason: it’s a reliable, well-formulated feed that consistently delivers great results for quail chicks.
Typically formulated with 30% protein, it provides the exact nutritional punch needed for that initial growth explosion. The crumble size is also a major advantage. It’s small enough for day-old Coturnix quail to eat without issue, which prevents chicks from starving simply because the feed is too large. This feed is a straightforward, no-fuss choice that covers all the essential bases for healthy development.
Purina Startena Medicated to Prevent Coccidiosis
Purina is another giant in the feed world, and their Game Bird Startena is a top-tier option, especially the medicated version. This feed is designed not just for growth but also for prevention. It contains Amprolium, a medication that helps protect chicks from coccidiosis.
Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasite that thrives in the warm, damp conditions of a brooder. For young quail, it’s often fatal. An outbreak can wipe out a whole batch of chicks in a matter of days. Medicated feed acts as a preventative, allowing the chicks to build their own natural immunity while being protected from a full-blown infection.
Using a medicated feed like Purina’s is a form of insurance. It’s particularly smart for beginners who are still learning the ropes of brooder management or for anyone raising chicks directly on bedding like pine shavings. The risk of coccidiosis is much higher on bedding than on wire-bottomed brooders where droppings fall through.
Scratch and Peck: Top Organic Starter Feed Choice
For the hobby farmer committed to an organic flock from day one, Scratch and Peck Feeds is the premier choice. Their Naturally Free Organic Starter is a high-quality, non-GMO feed made from whole grains. It meets the high-protein needs of quail while adhering to strict organic standards.
Unlike the other feeds on this list, Scratch and Peck typically comes as a "mash" rather than a crumble. This fine, unprocessed texture can sometimes be a challenge for brand-new chicks. Many find success by slightly moistening the mash for the first few days to make it easier for the chicks to eat.
Choosing an organic feed is a philosophical and financial decision. It costs more, and the mash texture requires a bit more management. However, if your goal is to raise your birds on the cleanest possible inputs, Scratch and Peck provides a product that aligns perfectly with that value system.
Kalmbach 30% Protein for Maximum Development
When the primary goal is rapid size and weight gain, particularly for meat birds like Jumbo Coturnix, Kalmbach 30% Gamebird Starter is a powerhouse. This feed is formulated specifically for maximum growth efficiency. It’s a no-compromise diet for getting birds to their target weight as quickly as possible.
This feed is all about performance. The high protein level, combined with a balanced profile of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, supports the fastest possible muscle and skeletal development. If you are raising quail for meat and your timeline is a key factor, a high-performance feed like this is an excellent tool to have.
Nutrena Country Feeds: A Reliable All-Rounder
Nutrena’s Country Feeds Gamebird Starter is a solid, dependable workhorse. It may not have the specialty focus of some other brands, but it consistently provides the essential nutrition quail chicks need to thrive. It reliably hits the 28-30% protein mark and is fortified with the necessary nutrients.
Think of this as the practical, budget-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on the fundamentals. It’s widely available and often more affordable than some of the premium brands. For the hobbyist who needs a quality feed that gets the job done without extra frills, Nutrena is an excellent and reliable option.
DuMOR Game Bird Starter: An Accessible Option
Accessibility matters, and that’s where DuMOR shines. As the house brand for Tractor Supply Co., DuMOR Game Bird Starter Crumbles are one of the easiest feeds to find for many rural and suburban farmers. You can count on it being in stock.
This feed is a perfectly balanced option, providing 30% protein and all the necessary fortifications for a strong start. It’s a direct competitor to brands like Manna Pro and Purina, offering a similar crumble texture and nutritional profile. Its greatest strength is its convenience; knowing you can always grab a bag when you need it is a huge plus for busy hobbyists.
Choosing Your Feed: Medicated vs. Non-Medicated
This is the most important decision you’ll make after protein percentage. There is no single right answer, only the right answer for your specific situation. The choice boils down to your management style and risk tolerance.
Medicated feed is cheap insurance. It contains a coccidiostat (like Amprolium) that prevents outbreaks of coccidiosis. Consider using it if:
- You are a beginner.
- You have had a coccidiosis outbreak in the past.
- You are raising chicks on bedding (pine shavings, etc.) where they are in contact with their droppings.
- Your brooder environment is humid or difficult to keep perfectly dry.
Non-medicated feed is for those who prioritize avoiding medications. It requires a higher level of management to be successful. Choose non-medicated if:
- You are raising your birds organically.
- You are very confident in your brooder sanitation.
- You are using a wire-bottom brooder where droppings fall through, drastically reducing exposure.
Ultimately, the decision rests on a tradeoff. Medicated feed offers a wide margin of safety against a common killer, while non-medicated feed requires impeccable hygiene but aligns with a more natural approach. Assess your setup and experience level honestly to make the best choice for your flock.
The first three weeks of a quail’s life set the stage for everything to come. Choosing a high-protein starter feed that matches your goals—whether they be organic, medicated for safety, or geared for maximum growth—is your most powerful tool. Pair a great feed with a clean, warm brooder, and you’ll be watching a flock of healthy, fast-growing birds ready to take on the world.
