collecting some friends for Charlie tonight.

[farthing]

We are off to collect 7 female quail tonight, as friends for Charlie, our elderly boy quail. We have spent months looking for some female companionship, and found an advert in the paper for some eggs. We called and said we didn't mind if they were older females, so we are getting 1 year old females who have reached the end of their egg laying time and are set to be disposed of. They will still lay eggs, but not in high numbers, so an added bonus for us- pickled quail eggs, although the peeling takes ages.:roll:

I'm a very happy bunny, and so will Charlie be.

[yola]

I LOVE quail's eggs :D I hope Charlie enjoys the company of his new female friends once they arrive.

[dinahsmum]

Charlie is going to have lots of company, isn't he?
Do you plan to hatch any eggs in the future?

[Kazz]

Poor old Charlie he will be henpacked ;) seven girlfriends...hope he keeps them in line.

[farthing]

We took home 5 big girls and although quite bald, I think healthy enough. The were not in the cleanest of conditions and there were too many males, but they had plenty or space, which is more than most get. We will give them a weeks or so to recover and hopefully grow a few feathers, and then introduce Charlie.

Now, Yola, quail would be a prefect start to your poultry keeping hobby.:)
They are lovely birds, although a bit flighty to begin with become quite tame, lay eggs and don't need a huge amount of space- just protection from predators, which can be rats up to foxes.
You could have your own free range quail eggs, and they lay every 2 out of 3 days when they are in their prime!

[angieh]

I have never eaten a quail's egg. What do they taste like?

[Leesy]

Awwwww I hope Charlie dosen`t get to henpecked by the new girlies;)

[farthing]

meet some of the girls.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk67/halfpenny_bucket/Quail/DSC00439.jpg

This is how bald they are,
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk67/halfpenny_bucket/Quail/DSC00441.jpg

and Charlie.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk67/halfpenny_bucket/Quail/DSC00442.jpg

[farthing]

I have never eaten a quail's egg. What do they taste like?

Quail eggs are much richer than hen eggs, but they are a nightmare to peel.

[calismum]

poor girls - how long do you think for their feathers to grow in?

[dandysmom]

Awww, they'll get better under your care, I know; they do look a bit scraggly now.

[farthing]

poor girls - how long do you think for their feathers to grow in?

I don't really know, I think they are trying to grow some, but they just keep getting pulled out. Hopefully given a bit of time they will have full coverage in a couple of months.

[pinklizzy]

Cute little birds, my grandmother used to keep them-loved the eggs as a child :D Hope they settle in quickly and I'm sure they'll quickly start to gain some condition under your care.

[Leesy]

Awwwww what sweet little birdies, I do so hope that they reach lovely peak condition soon.