Button quail: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Button quail eggs hatch after 16–17 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at precocial (leave nest at hatch) days and are weaned and independent at about 21–28 days. A typical clutch is 5–8 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 40-55 (hens larger) |
| Length (cm) | 11-13 |
| Clutch size | 5-8 (up to 12) |
| Incubation (days) | 16-17 |
| Fledging (days) | precocial (leave nest at hatch) |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 21-28 |
| Lifespan (years) | 3-6 |
| Breeding season | All year with 14 h light |
| Sexing | Wild-type cock: black-white bib and blue-grey breast with chestnut belly; hen brown barred. In many mutations (white, silver) sex by vent or behaviour. |
Origin: South and East Asia and Australia — Scientific name: Synoicus chinensis (syn. Excalfactoria chinensis)
Size: 11-13 cm, 40-55 (hens larger) g
Breeding and care tips
Lives on the aviary floor; chicks are tiny and need 35 °C brooder heat and drown-proof drinkers.
Mutations and colours
Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Recessive silver, White (SF = pied/splash), Red-breasted, Cinnamon, Extended brown, Fallow, Pearl.
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Budgerigar
- Canary
- Zebra finch
- Red-headed finch
- Gouldian finch
- Bengalese society finch
- Java sparrow
- Owl finch
Frequently asked questions
How long do Button quail eggs take to hatch?
Button quail eggs hatch after 16-17 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Button quail lay?
Usually 5-8 (up to 12) eggs per clutch.
When do Button quail chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about precocial (leave nest at hatch) days old.
When are Button quail chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 21-28 days.
What is the Button quail breeding season?
All year with 14 h light
How do you tell a male Button quail from a female?
Wild-type cock: black-white bib and blue-grey breast with chestnut belly; hen brown barred. In many mutations (white, silver) sex by vent or behaviour.
How long does a Button quail live?
About 3-6 years with good care.