Do California Quail go broody?

California quail, also known as valley quail, are a medium-sized game bird native to the western United States. They are known for their topknot feather on their head and their characteristic “chi-ca-go” call. As backyard birds, California quail are popular for their generally tame nature. One common question backyard quail keepers have is whether California quail go broody like chickens.

Quick Answer

No, California quail do not go broody. Broodiness refers to when a bird sits on a nest of eggs to incubate them. Chickens commonly exhibit broody behavior, but most other bird species do not. California quail build nests and lay eggs, but do not actually sit on the nest to incubate the eggs.

Do Any Quail Species Go Broody?

While most quail species do not go broody, there are a few exceptions. The mountain quail, a close relative of the California quail, is known to occasionally exhibit broody behavior. A few individual Gambel’s quail have also been observed sitting on nests for short periods of time. Additionally, female button quail have been documented exhibiting broody behavior. However, California quail and other common quail species like bobwhite quail do not go broody.

California Quail Nesting Behavior

California quail build ground nests lined with grass, leaves, and feathers. The nests are often located under shrubs or other vegetation. Females typically lay between 12-16 eggs. They lay one egg per day until the clutch is complete. However, unlike broody chickens, the female California quail does not sit on the nest once all the eggs have been laid.

Instead, the eggs are incubated by the ambient temperature in the nest. The female may briefly sit on the nest in the morning and evening to warm the eggs before leaving again. But constant incubation seen in broody chickens does not occur. The eggs hatch in about 23-25 days without continuous brooding by the female.

Why Don’t California Quail Go Broody?

There are a few theorized reasons why most quail species do not exhibit broody behavior:

• Broodiness is energetically expensive – Sitting on a nest for weeks prevents the female from efficiently foraging for food. Quail get most of their water from food sources rather than drinking, so leaving the nest daily is important.
• Predation risk – Continuously sitting on a nest increases predation risk for the brooding female. Quail limit this risk by not staying on nests for extended periods.
• Rapid hatch time – Quail eggs hatch rapidly compared to chickens. Constant incubation may not be necessary with the ambient heat in their nests.
• Nest parasitism – Quail commonly lay eggs in each others’ nests. A broody quail could end up brooding eggs that are not its own.

For these reasons, quail like California quail have evolved different nesting strategies compared to continuously broody species like chickens. Their nesting behaviors maximize their reproductive success in their natural environments.

Broodiness in Backyard California Quail

Since California quail do not go broody even in the wild, they will not exhibit broody behavior when kept as backyard birds. If you are looking to hatch California quail eggs, you will need to use an artificial incubator set at 99-100°F with 45-55% humidity. The eggs should be turned at least 3 times per day during the first 15 days of incubation.

The lack of broodiness in California quail makes them less prone to going “clucky” and aggressive like broody chickens. It also means the female will continue to lay eggs even after a previous clutch has been laid. This can result in almost continuous egg production throughout the breeding season.

Caring for California Quail Chicks

California quail chicks (called “poults”) are precocial meaning they hatch covered in down feathers and are able to move around on their own. They do not require the intensive care from a brooding hen that altricial species like songbirds need. The poults follow their mother soon after hatching, who shows them how to find food.

Artificially incubated California quail poults can be housed together in a brooder box with a heat lamp. They should be provided commercial game bird starter feed and have access to grit. Special care does not need to be taken to “train” the poults to their keepers since they do not imprint like chickens. The poults simply require adequate food, water, heat, and protection from predators.

Comparison of California Quail and Chicken Broodiness

Here is a summary comparing California quail and chicken brooding behaviors:

Conclusion

In summary, California quail do not exhibit broody behavior like chickens. The females leave their nests unattended after laying eggs, so artificial incubation is required to hatch the eggs. California quail chicks are precocial and able to feed themselves shortly after hatching. Their lack of broodiness and imprinting makes California quail ideal backyard birds for those not interested in constantly brooding chicks.