Can You Have a Quail as a Pet? Everything You Need to Know Before Getting One

Quail are one of the most underrated pets in the United States. While most people picture them as game birds flushed from a field, a growing number of American households are discovering that these small, ground-dwelling birds can be surprisingly rewarding to keep — whether in a backyard aviary, a suburban garden setup, or even a well-ventilated indoor enclosure.

So, can you have a quail as a pet? The short answer is yes — and in all 50 states, no less. Quail are legal in all 50 US states, though how you can keep them varies by state, county, city, and even your HOA. Before you order your first birds, there is a lot worth knowing about their care needs, diet, costs, and temperament. This guide covers all of it.

Can You Have a Quail as a Pet?

Yes, you can absolutely keep quail as pets. Quail are often overlooked compared to chickens or parrots, but these small, fascinating birds are full of personality and have been domesticated for centuries. They are kept for eggs, meat, and increasingly as companion animals valued for their manageable size and calm presence.

The three breeds most commonly kept as pets in the US are the Coturnix (Japanese) quail, the Northern Bobwhite, and the Button quail. The Coturnix quail is a pleasant little breed that many opt to keep for meat, eggs, and in some cases as a pet, and it comes in standard size and Jumbo size. If you are looking for a bite-sized version of quail to keep solely as a pet, the affectionate Button quail is worth a close look.

California Valley quail are another small, ornamental species — males are light blue with striped markings, and both males and females have that distinct crown feather. You can explore more about the different types of quail to decide which breed fits your lifestyle best. For a regional breakdown, the types of quail found in California and the types of quail in Oklahoma offer useful starting points depending on where you live.

Pro Tip: Coturnix quail are the most beginner-friendly choice. They are calm, productive, and widely available from breeders across the US.

Are Quail Legal to Keep as Pets?

Quail fall into a legal gray zone that usually works in your favor. At the federal level, Coturnix and Bobwhite are domesticated and unregulated for backyard keeping. At the state level, many states classify quail as gamebirds rather than poultry, which often means they slip past city chicken bans. At the local level, cities and HOAs are where 95% of restrictions actually live.

States like Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky are fully open for Coturnix with no state-level permit required for personal use. Other states are more specific about which species require paperwork. California requires a domestic game bird permit for any quail, including Coturnix, with native quail heavily restricted. Oregon and Washington require a gamebird propagation permit to breed or sell. New York requires a domestic game bird license to possess Bobwhite or native quail, though Coturnix is exempt in most counties. Pennsylvania requires a propagation permit for Bobwhite, while Coturnix is unrestricted.

Even where state law is permissive, local ordinances can add layers of complexity. “No livestock” rules, setback requirements that place cages 10–50 feet from property lines, number caps on backyard birds, and HOA covenants can all affect what you are allowed to do. Always check your city ordinances and your HOA’s CC&Rs before purchasing birds. You can find an authoritative 2026 state-by-state breakdown at QuailSales.

Important Note: State laws for gamebirds can change, and local ordinances vary widely even within the same county. Contact your state’s Department of Agriculture or Fish and Wildlife agency to confirm current permit requirements before bringing quail home.

What Does It Take to Care for a Pet Quail?

Quail are relatively low-maintenance once you have the right setup in place. A proper enclosure is the foundation of healthy, happy quail. Beginners should focus on safety, comfort, and space, ensuring quail have room to move, explore, and relax without stress or overcrowding.

Housing is your biggest one-time investment. A DIY pen or aviary can cost as little as $50–$100 using wood, wire, and fasteners, while a pre-made pen runs $100–$300 for a basic setup, or up to $500 for larger aviaries or custom designs. Quail are ground-dwelling birds, so enclosures should prioritize horizontal space over height. Quail cages should be built to no taller than 18 inches, because quail can attempt to fly and injure themselves on the top of the cage.

Bedding matters too. Sand, pine shavings, or hemp bedding give quail a comfortable surface for scratching and dust bathing. Ventilation in housing is important because quail droppings produce far more ammonia than other poultry. Clean the enclosure regularly to keep ammonia levels low and your birds healthy.

One behavior to prepare for early: quail startle easily. When startled, quail are capable of flying vertically, so you must cover runs to contain them. New owners often notice quail panic, jump, or hide when moved into a new enclosure. Their nervous nature makes sudden noises, changes, or handling feel overwhelming in the first few days. Keeping the area quiet, limiting handling, and adding hiding spots helps them feel secure while adjusting.

On average, a quail lives for about two to three years, so plan accordingly. They also do better in small groups than alone — quail are social birds that thrive with company from their own kind. If you want to learn more about how many species exist across the country, the guide on how many types of quail there are is a helpful read.

What Do Quail Eat?

Quail need a high-protein diet. Game bird foods or a finch seed mix can make up the majority of their diet, topped off so there is always food available. They should also have access to dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce.

Protein requirements shift by life stage. Chicks require a high-protein diet in the 20–28% protein range for optimal growth during the first four weeks. As layers mature, the requirement drops to 18–20%. Egg-laying females need extra calcium to produce firm, healthy shells — crushed or ground eggshells work well as a supplement.

When housed outdoors, quail are natural foragers. When outdoors, they typically eat insects and worms. Mealworms and crickets are a good snack for indoor birds. Fresh water must always be available. You can leave water out in a bowl and change it at least twice weekly, or more often if it becomes dirty.

Food Type	Purpose	Notes
Game bird crumble / finch seed mix	Primary diet	20–24% protein for adults
Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach)	Vitamins and variety	Offer fresh, not wilted
Mealworms and crickets	Protein boost and enrichment	Especially good for indoor birds
Crushed eggshells or oyster shell	Calcium for egg-laying hens	Offer free-choice in a side dish
Fresh water	Hydration	Change at least twice per week

Do Quail Make Good Pets?

People have kept birds as pets for thousands of years, and quail are no exception. Quail are charming little game birds that can provide hours of entertainment with their comical antics and social chirps. If raised from a chick, a pet quail can provide genuine companionship to their human caretakers.

That said, they are not pets in the traditional sense. They are gentle and skittish, not ideal for cuddling but pleasant to observe. Short, calm sessions near their enclosure allow quail to approach at their own pace, and this slow bonding process reduces fear and encourages a more trusting relationship over time. If you handle them from hatching, some individuals do become noticeably tamer — but do not expect the same interaction you would get from a parrot or a dog.

Unlike larger poultry, they take up little space and are remarkably quiet, which makes them suitable for both rural and urban settings. A female quail can lay one egg daily, depending on the breed, which is a genuine bonus for many owners. They can lay around 230 eggs per year if kept in the right conditions, and they start laying at just 8–12 weeks — much sooner than chickens.

Quail also get along well in mixed aviaries. Button quail are docile but somewhat chatty, and do well with pigeons, budgies, finches, canaries, and small docile parrots. They are a good fit for anyone who wants a low-key, interesting bird that does not demand constant attention. For comparison, if you are also considering dogs as pets, check out some helpful reads like do dogs have belly buttons or can dogs have lemon for fun pet care facts.

Pros and Cons of Having a Quail as a Pet

Like any pet, quail come with real advantages and real drawbacks. Knowing both upfront helps you make the right call for your household.

• Quiet birds: Most ordinances on birds have to do with smells and sounds that neighbors would find intrusive. Quail are fairly quiet birds, and complaints are unlikely.
• Small space requirements: Quail offer a unique balance between practicality and enjoyment. Unlike larger poultry, they take up little space and are suitable for both rural and urban settings.
• Egg production: Their eggs are highly nutritious, often considered a delicacy, and they can lay between 200–300 eggs per year depending on the species and conditions.
• Affordable to keep: Quail are generally affordable. Initial costs are low, primarily covering housing and feed, making them a cost-effective addition to any backyard homestead.
• Hardy birds: Quail are quite hardy and rarely require veterinary intervention when kept in clean, well-managed conditions.

On the other side of the ledger:

• Short lifespan: On average, a quail only lives for about two to three years, which is significantly less than a pet cat or dog.
• Not cuddly: Quail are skittish by nature and rarely enjoy being held, especially birds that were not handled from hatching.
• Flock aggression: Some quail can be vicious toward each other. Once one draws blood on another and the whole flock smells it, the situation can escalate fast. They will all gang up on the weakest bird. Monitoring flock dynamics and having a way to separate birds is important.
• Ammonia and mess: Quail droppings produce far more ammonia than other poultry, so enclosures need frequent cleaning.
• Escape risk: Quail can fly significantly better than a chicken and do not need a running start to take flight — they can seemingly fly straight up into the air. Covered enclosures are non-negotiable.
• Limited vet care: The cost of veterinary care for birds is typically high, and avian vets who treat quail are not available in every area.

Key Insight: Quail are best suited to owners who enjoy observing and interacting with animals on the animals’ terms. If you want a hands-on, cuddly pet, a quail may leave you wanting more.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pet Quail?

Quail are one of the more affordable pet birds you can keep. The bulk of your spending happens in the first year, when you are buying housing, equipment, and your initial birds. After that, ongoing costs are modest.

Initial bird cost: Adult Coturnix hens typically sell for $10–$25 each depending on color variety, with rarer color varieties running toward the higher end and roosters typically priced around $5. Day-old chicks are cheaper but require a brooder setup. Hatching eggs are the most economical starting point — a dozen can cost as little as $15–$30 from a reputable breeder.

Housing: A DIY pen costs $50–$100 in materials, while a pre-made pen runs $100–$300 for a basic setup or up to $500 for larger aviaries. A pre-made rabbit hutch or a specialized multi-level wire quail cage can run from $70 to over $200.

Feed: Game bird feed with 20–24% protein costs about $15–$20 for 50 lbs, which will feed 10–12 quail for 4–6 weeks. Buying in bulk and storing it in airtight containers keeps costs down. According to Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm, feed is typically the largest recurring expense for quail keepers.

Bedding and supplements: Pine shavings cost $5–$10 per bag and need replacing every 2–4 weeks. Calcium supplements like crushed oyster shell cost around $10 and last for months. Probiotics and vitamins run $5–$15 per year if used during stress or molting periods.

Expense	One-Time or Ongoing	Estimated Cost
Birds (adult Coturnix hens)	One-time	$10–$25 each
Housing / pen	One-time	$50–$300+
Brooder setup (if starting with chicks)	One-time	$20–$150
Feeders and waterers	One-time	$10–$30
Game bird feed (50 lbs)	Ongoing (every 4–6 weeks for 10–12 birds)	$15–$20
Bedding (pine shavings)	Ongoing (every 2–4 weeks)	$5–$10
Calcium supplement	Ongoing (lasts months)	~$10
Basic health supplies	Ongoing (annual estimate)	$10–$30

After the initial setup, many of the costs become one-time expenses. Items like housing, feeders, waterers, and processing equipment will last for several years with proper maintenance, significantly reducing costs in subsequent years. A small flock of 6–10 birds is very manageable on a modest budget once the infrastructure is in place. You can find a detailed cost breakdown for Coturnix specifically at Backyard Quail Hub.

Where to Get a Pet Quail

Finding quail in the US is easier than most people expect. You have several options depending on your budget, the breed you want, and how much setup time you are willing to invest.

Breeders and small hatcheries are the most reliable source for healthy, well-socialized birds. A simple online search will reveal breeders and small hatcheries near you that offer quail for sale for breeding, eating, or as pets. Many enthusiasts and dedicated breeders are comfortable shipping hatching eggs or chicks, so do not limit yourself to local sources if you are looking for something specific. The most common breeds you will find through breeders are Coturnix and Bobwhites.

Pet stores carry quail in some markets. Some pet stores are adding Button quail to their inventory, and even larger chains like PetSmart offer Button quail in limited cities. When buying from a pet store, always research where the animal was sourced from, how it was raised, and what it has been fed — this ensures you are supporting humane raising practices and continuity of care for your pet quail.

Local farm swaps and poultry shows are excellent places to find birds and connect with experienced keepers. Joining social network groups for quail enthusiasts can help you find recommendations for breeders in your area. Attending local swap meets lets you network with breeders and pick up tips from fellow fanciers.

One rule applies regardless of where you buy: never take a quail from the wild, as this can be devastating to the bird. Wild-caught quail almost never adapt to captivity and may also be illegal to possess depending on your state. Always source captive-bred birds from reputable sellers.

If you are interested in species native to your region, these guides on types of quail in Australia, types of quail in India, and quail species in California can help you understand the broader quail family before you decide on a breed. For a full overview of North American species, the different types of quail guide is a great starting point. If you also share your home with a dog, you may enjoy exploring whether dogs can eat tuna or whether blackberries are safe for dogs — keeping multiple pets means thinking through diet compatibility too.

Pro Tip: Start with a small group of Coturnix — three to five hens and one male is a manageable, productive starter flock. Get your enclosure fully set up before the birds arrive so they can settle in without delays.

Quail are not the right pet for everyone, but for the right owner they offer something genuinely special: a quiet, productive, and fascinating bird that asks for little and gives back more than expected. With the right housing, a solid diet, and a basic understanding of their temperament, quail can thrive in backyards and small spaces across the US. Do your homework on local laws first, choose a beginner-friendly breed like the Coturnix, and you will be well on your way.