Quail chicks

[Marigold]

Is there a Scottish equivalent to DEFRA?
Why do you think that, with only two tiny pet quails and possibly up to a maximum of six more, you would be liable for any kind of official registration?

 

[LB81]

I just wasn't sure if it was a must or not. I woke up this morning to two eggs one with no shell should I discard that one? Thank you

 

[Margaid]

I've cooked and eaten soft shelled hen eggs - just snippe the membrane carefully with scissors. Bit more difficult with a quail egg!

 

[LB81]

I will give it a try. I'm so happy I got eggs.

 

[Marigold]

They’re lovely. The yolk is bigger in proportion to the white than in a hens egg so it makes scrambled egg look a deeper golden colour and is more nutritious, weight for weight.
How come you got two, if there’s only one hen?

 

[Margaid]

Could that explain the soft shell Marigold - that she hasn't got the timing quite right yet? Going by chickens that is ...

 

[Marigold]

Yes they often do strange things when just learning!

 

[LB81]

Both of my quail are split up just now and there was 2 eggs in with the female. I thought they could lay 2?

 

[LB81]

 

[Marigold]

Beautiful colour and patterns, aren’t they? And every egg is different!
Normally, like hens, quails will lay one egg a day once settled into lay. It’s a bit like puberty - not always so regular until it settles down.

 

[LB81]

I have been giving the quails live meal worm but for some reason my Male holds it in his mouth and makes like a growling noise why is this?

 

[LB81]

I also meant to say I think I have twins in one egg.

 

[Marigold]

Why do you think it’s twins? I hope not, as there isn’t enough room or food in there for two chicks.

 

[LB81]

There are 2 chicks moving about in the egg 2 heart beats. Should I keep a close eye on that egg?

 

[Marigold]

It will be interesting to see what happens! It’s best to leave the eggs alone, though, as if you open the incubator and handle them the temperature is likely to drop. There’s nothing you could do about whether or not they will hatch, or whether one egg has twins, just wait and see, hard though that is! When’s the due date?
If twins, let’s hope it’s girls, if they live. Boys, if they don’t!

 

[LB81]

They are due on the 10th. I will leave them and see what happens thanks

 

[LB81]

Well the eggs are in lockdown now I only have 3 left 2 of them are in the air cell so hopefully shouldn't be to long now.

 

[LB81]

One of my eggs has started pipping but only one tiny hole is in it and has been no change for quite a few hours do you think the chick is ok?

 

[Marigold]

Only time will tell! As the shells are so thin and fragile the chicks usually hatch very fast, so it should be out by now if it’s going to make it.
Best not to interfere.

 

[LB81]

I had to help the little chick it was stuck it's very small and very lethargic I will try and show you the size of it if I can upload a pic. It's not standing up yet as it's very week it's tweeted and trying to get up.