How Much Water Does A Quail Drink Per Day?

Quail are fascinating birds that are often raised for their delicious meat and nutritious eggs. However keeping quail healthy and productive requires meeting their needs including providing the right amount of clean water each day. But just how much water does a quail need to drink daily? In this article, we’ll break down the key factors that determine a quail’s water requirements.

Average Daily Water Intake

The amount of water a quail drinks per day can vary substantially depending on the bird’s age, diet, environment, and other factors. However, most adult quails typically drink between 20-30 mL (0.7-1 oz) of water daily. This equates to roughly 1-1.5 tablespoons per bird each day.

During hot summer weather or increased egg production, a quail’s water demands may increase to 50 mL (1.7 oz) or more. Younger quails and chicks require relatively more water than adults. In the first few days after hatching, chicks need access to water every few hours to stay hydrated.

Factors That Influence Water Intake

Several key factors affect how much water a quail needs to drink each day:

• Age – Younger quails, especially chicks, require more frequent access to water than adult birds. Their higher metabolism and small bodies lead to increased water needs that decrease as they mature.

• Diet – Quails fed dry, high-protein diets typically drink more than those on high-moisture, lower-protein feeds. Dry food lacks a water source.

• Egg production – Laying hens need more water to produce eggs, which are about 75% water.

• Ambient temperature – Quails drink more water when temperatures are hot to cool their bodies and compensate for water lost through respiration,

• Health – Sick quails tend to drink more water. Increased water intake can signal illness.

• Activity level – More active quails require higher water intake

Water Requirements by Age

Age has a significant impact on a quail’s daily water requirements. Here’s a closer look:

Chicks (0-3 weeks)

Newly hatched chicks need to drink water frequently, ideally every 1-2 hours during their first week. Provide easy access to clean water immediately after placing chicks in the brooder. Gently dip their beaks in water to encourage drinking.

In the first days of life, chicks should consume around 10% of their body weight in water daily. For example, a 2 oz chick requires about 0.2 oz of water per day. Shallow chick waterers are ideal to limit drowning risk.

Young Quails (3-8 weeks)

As they grow, young quails begin spacing out their water intake. However, they still need unlimited access to fresh, clean water as their bodies are developing. Water consumption will range from 30-50 mL daily at this stage.

Adolescent & Adult Quails

Once quails reach adulthood at around 8-12 weeks old, their water intake stabilizes. Although intake varies day-to-day, most adults drink 20-30 mL daily on average. Egg-laying hens have higher daily water needs of up to 50 mL.

How Diet Influences Water Intake

Diet plays a critical role in meeting a quail’s water requirements. Quails obtain preformed water from both drinking and their food:

• Moist diet – Quails eating fresh greens, fruits, and insects get much of their moisture from food rather than drinking.

• Dry diet – Birds rely almost entirely on drinking water when fed dry feed and grains low in moisture.

Quails digest high-protein foods like soybean meal more easily when their diet contains adequate water. Dry, high-protein feeds lead to greater water intake compared to high-moisture, lower-protein diets. Providing the right diet ensures quails consume enough water.

Providing Adequate Water

Access to fresh, clean drinking water is vital for quails’ health and productivity. Here are some tips for meeting quails’ needs:

• Give unlimited access to water 24/7. Birds drink small amounts frequently.

• Use appropriate waterers: chick founts for young birds, hanging waterers for adults.

• Position water at quail eye level.

• Refresh water daily or more often as needed.

• Offer water in shade during hot weather.

• Use water supplements during high temperatures.

• Heated water prevents chilling in winter.

• Nipple systems provide the cleanest drinking water.

• Add vitamins and electrolytes during stress or illness.

Monitoring each quail’s appearance and water intake allows adjusting their diet and care to optimize health. While individual needs vary, most quails stay happy and productive drinking around 1-1.5 tablespoons of water per day.