The mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus) is a relatively small quail found in the western United States. Though beautiful, with their scaly plumage in blues, grays, and rust colors, they are not commonly kept as pets. So how much does a mountain quail cost?
Quick Answer
Mountain quail are not commonly sold as pets. However, when available, they typically cost $25-50 each from a breeder.
Mountain Quail Overview
The mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus) is a ground-dwelling bird in the New World quail family. They are indigenous to the western United States. Their natural habitat is brushy foothills and mountain forests. They can be found from southern British Columbia through western Idaho and Washington through Oregon and down the west coast to southern California. They live at elevations ranging from 4000-10000 feet.
Mountain quail are medium-sized, stocky birds. They are 25-27 cm long and weigh around 200-300 g. Their most distinctive feature is their scaly plumage. The scales look like painted-on green and gray teardrops edged in white along their back, chest, and flanks. Their underside is more brownish-gray. They have a teardrop-shaped topknot or head plume that is darker gray and brown. Their short tails are colored chestnut brown with gray undersides. The mountain quail’s belly and breast feathers have plume-like white shafts. Their bills and legs are brown-gray.
Mountain quail live in coveys of 10-30 birds outside of breeding season. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, leaves, berries, acorns, and insects. They forage on the ground. When disturbed, they prefer to run uphill and hide rather than fly. They are capable of short, fast flight bursts of 100-200 meters if necessary.
Mountain quail are popular upland game birds. Their meat is light and tender. They are hunted recreationally throughout their range but also face threats from habitat loss and climate change. Their current conservation status is Least Concern.
Availability as Pets
Mountain quail are not as commonly bred and sold as many other quail species, like bobwhite or button quail. However, they can sometimes be found for sale from specialty breeders who focus on rarer bird species.
Prices generally range from $25-50 per quail when available. They tend to be at the higher end of the quail price range due to their relative rarity in captivity compared to other species.
Very few large chain pet stores will carry mountain quail. Independent pet stores specializing in birds and small animals are more likely to be able to source them. Avian breeders who focus on breeding and selling rarer species are the most likely source.
There are also bird breeder associations and clubs for networking among hobbyists and breeders of less common bird species. Some of these groups may help connect interested owners with mountain quail breeders.
Care of Mountain Quail
If considering mountain quail as pets, there are some important care considerations to factor in:
- Housing – As ground-dwelling birds, they need a longer enclosure instead of tall. A large aviary or chicken coop modified for quail works well. Bedding like hay is ideal since they spend lots of time on the ground.
- Temperature – Accustomed to mountain climates, they prefer cooler temperatures around 60-70°F.
- Food – Game bird feed is perfect. They also enjoy mixed grains, greens, berries, seeds, and mealworms.
- Handling – Mountain quail aren’t as tame and docile as some quail. They tend to be flighty and shy. Handling should be minimized.
- Groups – They should be kept in pairs or groups. They will be stressed if alone.
- Risks – Predation is a concern since they prefer to run and hide. They may also try to escape enclosures.
Caring for mountain quail takes the right housing setup and knowledge to keep them healthy and minimize risks. Their needs are also very specific compared to more common pet bird species. They are best suited for experienced bird owners used to managing shyer and more reactive species.
Why Mountain Quail Cost More
A few key reasons contribute to mountain quail’s higher price range compared to other quail:
- Rarity – They aren’t as commonly bred as many other quail, so fewer are available.
- Capture – Their wild mountain habitat makes them harder to capture for domestic breeding programs.
- Care – Their specific care, housing, temperature, and handling needs make them better suited for experienced owners.
- Risks – Their shy and flighty nature increases chances of injury, escape, or predation if not properly cared for.
- Regulations – Some areas may prohibit trapping or selling mountain quail.
Pricing Factors
Pricing for mountain quail may vary exact depending on:
- Age – Younger juvenile birds may be cheaper than mature adults.
- Plumage – Birds with more vibrant plumage coloration tend to cost more.
- Health – Sickly or injured birds will be lower priced.
- Rarity – Less common color variants like albinos can fetch much higher pricing.
- Shipping – Adding transport and shipping to get the bird to the new owner will increase price.
- Breeder – Well-known breeders specializing in the species may charge higher prices.
Conclusion
So in summary, mountain quail are not commonly sold as pets and can be harder to find than other quail species. When sourcing them, expect pricing to start around $25-50 per bird. Their rarity, specialized care needs, and shy disposition contribute to them costing more than many other quail. For owners committed to properly caring for these beautiful but challenging birds, they can make interesting additions to an aviary collection. But significant quail experience and appropriate housing is recommended before getting a mountain quail as a pet.