Gambel Quail Pairs

Gambel’s Quail

Sold in units of 6 pairs of flight ready quail.

New World Quail are the smallest of the gallinaceous game birds. All five species are small, plump birds that are not fully domesticated. Gambel’s Quail are common in the wild but are also raised in captivity. They are similar to California Quail, but prefer Southwest desert habitat. They’re a little larger, 10 ½ - 11 inches long, 5 12 – 7 ounces in weight. Their plumage is slightly different: black patches on the male’s plain belly, the female’s belly plain; a little redder on the head, flanks and crown. Locals often call them Redheads. Like California Quail, the males have an attractive tear-drop shaped topknot. The females have a smaller topknot. In the wild, they are social birds, living in family groups part of the year and joining with other families to live in coveys through the winter. They tame easily. They eat seed, other vegetation and bugs. They roost in shrubbery at night. They are seasonal breeders, incubating clutches of 12 -20 eggs in ground nests made of grasses for around 23 days. Chicks are up and out of the nest as soon as they are dry. In captivity, brooders need to be covered, because they will soon fly out. Rubberized non-skid shelf paper makes good footing for newly hatched chicks. It avoids the foot and leg problems that may occur on slick surfaces. It is washable. Feed non-medicated game bird starter spread on their floor. Greens, appropriately chopped up, can be introduced from the start, encouraging them to peck the food, not each other. As with other birds, overcrowding creates problems that can include pecking each other. They do not need much water, but should have fresh water available.