Blue scale quail (Coturnix chinensis) are a popular domesticated quail breed known for their beautiful blue colored feathers. As with most quail breeds, blue scale quail hens are prolific egg layers, able to produce a high number of eggs over a relatively short period of time. This makes them a favored breed for both small scale backyard egg production as well as larger commercial quail farming operations. But just how many eggs can you expect a blue scale quail to lay? Read on for a detailed look at blue scale quail egg laying habits and production.
Blue Scale Quail Egg Production
Blue scale quail hens become sexually mature and begin laying eggs at around 6-8 weeks of age. From this point onward during her peak production period, a blue scale hen can lay somewhere between 200-300 eggs per year.
On average, a mature blue scale quail hen will lay about 1 egg per day. This works out to 5-7 eggs per week. Of course, the actual number of eggs laid can vary depending on factors like the individual hen’s health, nutrition, day length, and overall productivity. But generally speaking most blue scale hens will produce between 250-280 eggs annually.
Here is an overview of expected blue scale quail egg production:
Eggs Per Day
– Average: 1 egg
– Range: 5-7 eggs per week
Eggs Per Year
– Average: 250-280 eggs
– Peak Production: Up to 300 eggs
So in summary, the average blue scale quail hen lays about 1 egg per day or around 250-280 eggs annually. Of course, actual egg production will vary hen to hen based on genetic and environmental factors. But this gives a general idea of their excellent egg laying capabilities.
How Long Do Blue Scale Quail Lay Eggs?
In addition to the number of eggs laid, it’s also important to understand how long blue scale quail remain productive egg layers.
On average, a blue scale quail hen will lay eggs consistently for about 1-2 years. Egg laying typically reaches its peak when the hen is 5-8 months old. Peak production will continue for several more months before slowly declining as the hen ages.
Most hens will continue laying fairly well throughout their first year. By 18-24 months of age egg production drops off significantly and hens will go through their final molt. After this point, egg laying stops almost completely.
So while their total egg laying lifespan is relatively short, blue scale hens produce eggs abundantly during their peak production period. This makes them a good choice for raising a regular supply of quail eggs over about a 1-2 year timeframe.
Peak Laying Age: 5-8 months
Peak Laying Duration: 5-8 months
Total Laying Lifespan: 12-24 months
Factors That Impact Blue Scale Quail Egg Production
Several factors can influence the number of eggs a blue scale quail lays. Understanding these factors allows you to optimize production. Elements that impact blue scale quail egg laying include:
Genetics
There are genetic differences between individual hens that affect total eggs produced. Some bloodlines have been selectively bred to favor higher egg production. Choosing birds from highly productive genetic lines can boost overall egg numbers.
Health Status
Sick birds will lay fewer eggs. Ensuring proper management, nutrition, housing conditions and health care maximizes egg production. Treating any parasites, infections or illnesses promptly can help get laying back on track.
Nutrition
A balanced diet with adequate protein (18-22%), minerals and calcium is vital for supporting peak egg production. Any nutritional deficiencies can negatively impact laying.
Day Length
Like many bird species, blue scale quail are sensitive to light. Increasing day length in the spring triggers them to lay more eggs, while shortening fall/winter daylight curbs production. Providing extra artificial light stimulates greater egg laying.
Age
Egg laying increases rapidly once a hen reaches sexual maturity at 6-8 weeks of age. It will reach its peak around 5-8 months old, decline slightly during the second year, and stop almost completely by 24 months old.
Stress
Stress from any cause like fear, loud noises, harassment, overcrowding, etc can lower egg production. Minimizing stress helps hens feel relaxed and safe which supports their laying instincts.
So in summary, optimize blue scale quail egg numbers by selecting robust productive breeds, maintaining excellent health and nutrition, providing extra lighting, raising during peak ages of 5-18 months, and avoiding undue stress.
Common Questions About Blue Scale Quail Egg Laying
Here are answers to some other common questions about blue scale quail hens and their egg laying habits:
How long after hatching do blue scale quail start laying eggs?
Blue scale quail hens begin laying eggs at around 6-8 weeks of age. They are sexually mature and able to start producing eggs at this point.
At what age do blue scale quail lay the most eggs?
Peak egg production occurs when blue scale hens are between 5-8 months old. This period represents their highest and most fertile egg laying capabilities.
How many breeding seasons will a blue scale quail hen have?
Blue scale quail normally have only one breeding season per year. This typically aligns with increasing spring/summer daylight length. They generally do not lay year round or have multiple laying cycles annually.
Should you leave the male in with laying hens?
Yes, keeping a fertile male in with the hens is recommended to stimulate maximal egg production. The presence of a male influences egg laying on hormonal levels.
Do blue scale quail need a mate to lay eggs?
No, hens do not require a male mate to actually lay eggs. However, keeping a rooster with hens does optimize egg production thanks to hormonal influences. Unmated hens will still lay but not as prolifically.
At what age do blue scale quail stop laying eggs?
Egg laying drops off significantly around 18-24 months old. Most hens stop laying almost completely by 2 years old once they have gone through their final molt and reproductive cycle.
How do you get blue scale quail to lay more eggs?
Maximize eggs by ensuring excellent nutrition and health, providing a minimum of 14 hours of daylight, keeping roosters with hens, avoiding stress, and raising females during peak ages of 5-18 months.
So in summary, blue scale quail are excellent layers that can produce up to 300 eggs annually during their peak production period. Average egg laying is around 1 egg per day or 250-280 eggs per year. Maximize your blue scale quail’s egg laying output by understanding what affects their productivity.
Tips for Collecting and Storing Blue Scale Quail Eggs
Here are some tips for successfully gathering and storing the eggs from your blue scale quail hens:
Collect eggs frequently
– Gather eggs 2-3 times per day to ensure freshness
Use egg collection trays
– Install trays or baskets in nest boxes to catch eggs cleanly
Remove dirt/debris
– Gently wash if needed and let dry before storing
Check for cracks
– Don’t store cracked eggs which have higher bacteria risk
Store in cool place
– Optimal temperature is 55-60°F to maintain freshness
Turn eggs daily
– Rotating the eggs helps keep yolks centered longer
Use within 1-2 weeks
– Quail eggs have shorter shelf life than chicken eggs
Following these simple tips will help you harvest and store the maximum number of fresh, clean blue scale quail eggs for consumption.
Conclusion
In summary, blue scale quail are exceptional egg producing birds. A laying hen can produce anywhere from 250-300 eggs annually during her peak production period.
Average egg laying rates are around 1 egg per day, with peak production occurring between 5-8 months of age. A number of factors like nutrition, health, and day length can influence individual hen’s egg output.
With excellent care and management, blue scale quail hens can provide a reliable source of fresh quail eggs for most of their first 1-2 years of life. Their prolific laying capabilities make them a popular choice among both backyard poultry keepers and commercial egg producers.
By understanding blue scale quail egg production traits and optimizing their management, you can enjoy maximal harvests from your flock. Their high productivity and beautiful blue plumage make blue scale quail a great addition to any aviary or poultry operation.