Between us we have been keeping quail and chickens for over a decade and our priority is their welfare and to give our flocks the best life possible.
While we cannot free range our quail, they would disappear into the surrounding countryside, our quail are kept in runs with constant access to food and water and importantly daylight, which is a valuable source of vitamin D for strong bones.
Hygiene is important and we are constantly aware of the risks of avian flu and the national strategy to limit its spread across the UK.
We breed our own quail from a mixed flock including coturnix and other varieties which gives us a robust pool of birds.
Newly hatched quail chicks are about the size of a large bumble bee and are fascinating little creatures, I can watch them for hours.
Quail mature quickly and hens can lay eggs from as early as 6 weeks old but the downside is their life expectancy only averages about 2 years.
We look after our quail and have lovingly cared for some to an exceptional age of 6 years, we call them the pensioners.