Getting into quails

[Barbara Tealby]

Having dipped my toes in the quail waters (thanks, Andy) - I am considering going a bit further and getting an incubator to hatch a few replacements for my old girls. Does anyone have any hints about the best small incubator to get, and where to get one?
I'm not planning to get into major production any time soon, and am yet to slaughter any birds - probably won't do away with any of the four I've got, as they all have names.... It has been pointed out to me that perhaps it would be better just to buy a few adult birds. Any tips, anyone?

[Andrew Cumberland]

I sent you a message Doug. 

[Doug Hanning]

Barb thats fine. I am incubating all the time if you ever want more.

Jeff I bred them all winter, I have 2 thermostatically controlled ceramic heat lamps. Less smell in winter from thhe mountain of poop. Have to be on the ball in winter. They will die very quickly if they get cold.

[Andrew Cumberland]

No worries Barb.The normal ratio is one per 3 girls. The new girls are jumbos. Costa won't be an issue. Hopefully I can get some for you. 

Jeff - I never breed in winter for that reason.  Heat doesn't cause much grief.  At worst, a quick spray of cool water. 

[Barbara Tealby]

Andy, if she has a couple of hens, I would be delighted to get them. Let me know the cost. Costa is driving the ladies crazy, and needs some more members in his harem. If I am able to learn how to use your incubator, and borrow it down the track, that would be even better.
Doug, I'll go with the ones from Andy(who lives up the road) at this stage, thank you for your kind offer.

[Jeff Kiehne]

Does the time of year make a difference with how successful the hatching is because in winter going to have a bigger temperature change  and how do they go if get a heat wave..

[Andrew Cumberland]

I'm getting some birds on Saturday up the coast Barb.  Want me to see if she has extras?  After that, we can incubate together in mine.  I'll even lend you my incubator once I teach you how to do it. 

[Barbara Tealby]

Wow! That will work really well. How old do they need to be to thrive with no extra care when I take them home? Perhaps I could pick them at your GV?

[Doug Hanning]

I am setting eggs on tuesday so they will hatch in about 3 weeks and they need to  be  in the brooder for two weeks. Anytime after that you can come and pick some. I just sell for the same price as their age. So 2 week old are 2 dollars, 4 week old 4 dollars. Just to cover the food costs. This is the wholesale price that I sell them to produce stores. This lot should be about 3 weeks old at christmas and I am home for 3 weeks hol at that time

[Barbara Tealby]

Would you? That would be great, Doug. I'd only need a couple. What do I need to do to get them from you?

[Doug Hanning]

I meant i could keep you some live ones after I do my hatch. If you wanted a quicker solution to an egg shortage