I'm new to hatching, can you give me advice for incubating quail eggs?

We use GQF incubators and stand by their quality! Even though these are great incubators we also always recommend a secondary Hygrometer ($10-15 on Amazon) to double check temperature and humidity. Some incubators on the market are horribly inaccurate and can affect your hatch rate! Always double check!

TIPS:

• We run our incubators at 99.5 degrees the whole way through the hatch.

• For the first 14 days we set humidity to 45-50%.

• During lockdown (day 14 until hatch) we raise the humidity to 75% to allow the eggshell to soften slightly by absorbing moisture.

• DO NOT take the initial babies out of the incubator until the hatch is complete! Doing so will cause shrink wrap to the other chicks where the membrane collapses and sticks to them. They become trapped and must be removed manually which is stressful for them and you!

• Set them and forget them! I know this sounds harsh, but the more you mess with the eggs, the more likely you are to have temperature variations and embryo deformity. Place the eggs in the incubator and only candle at lockdown if desired!

How do I know my eggs are viable when they leave your farm?

We sell Coturnix and Bobwhite quail locally and hatch every week. Any drops in fertility, though rare, are immediately addressed. All new birds are test hatched for 3-4 weeks before being added to the shipping ques. We maintain a strict 4 to 1 ratio for Roosters and Hens.

When will my order ship?

Hatching eggs: Within 5-10 business days.

Live birds: Live birds ship the Tuesday after the order is placed. No holds.

Can you tell me what day my hatching egg order will ship?

We ship six days a week in the order received. We may not be able to give you a more specific shipping timeframe than the estimated fulfillment window. The number of shippable eggs produced daily varies as the ladies are on their own timeline.

I ordered multiple varieties of eggs in my order. Will they all ship together or can I have them shipped separately?

If you ordered multiple varieties in one order, they will all ship together as you have paid for the cost of shipping one box of eggs. If you would like your eggs shipped separately, we recommend ordering separately.

I placed multiple orders. Can they ship together?

Absolutely! Please send us an email at sales@gundogquailsupply.com or text at (229) 206-7333 so we can make notes on your order. If you do not let us know, we will not know to send them together.

I ordered assorted hatching eggs/birds. Can I choose what varieties I receive?

Assorted is a fun adventure! We choose which assorted hatching eggs based on availability at that time. We are not able to accommodate requests.

What shipping service do you use?

We use UPS Ground for hatching eggs unless the customer is in a very remote area or has a USPS Post Office Box listed as their address. In these cases we reserve the right to use USPS Priority Mail as our free shipping service for orders over $50. UPS 2nd Day and Overnight services are available for an additional fee.

I have a tracking number. Can you give me more information on the location of my order?

Unfortunately, we can only see the tracking information that is provided with your tracking number that you are able to see. We are not able to provide any further information on the location of your package.

Shipping has been delayed for my package. Are my eggs still ok?

Your eggs will be 0-1 day old at the time they are shipped. Hatching eggs are 100% viable until 7 days. At day 7, they begin to lose about 10% viability per day until Day 10, when they drop to 50% viability.

Do you have a hatch rate guarantee?

Unfortunately, there are many, many factors that influence the hatch rate on shipped eggs that are completely out of our control once they leave the farm. These factors include shipping trauma (being shaken, dropped, vibrated, exposed to extreme temperature and humidity, xrays, and delays), as well as incubation and handling practices (quality of incubator used, candling the eggs, improper temperature and humidity, fluctuating temperature and humidity, opening the incubator while the chicks are hatching, etc.). Due to all of these and more factors beyond our control, we do not offer a hatch rate guarantee.

Which variety do you recommend for beginners?

We recommend a feather sexable variety. Our Georgia Giants lay very large eggs, are feather sexable, and have a very nice temperament.

What feed do you use/recommend?

We feed FRM (Flint River Mills) Gamebird Starter Crumbles to our chicks, and FRM Breeder Pellets to our laying hens. The Bobwhite flight birds are fed FRM Gamebird Flight Conditioner.

Can I get a tour of the farm? 

Due to the spread of Avian Influenza and other diseases, we unfortunately do not allow farm tours. These and our other biosecurity measures help mitigate risks of outside diseases being brought in and are for your birds’ protection!

Where can I find your phone number?

We are extremely busy here on the farm and are usually unable to take calls. Please text us at (229) 206-7333 or email us at sales@gundogquailsupply.com. We will respond as soon as we are able to, usually within 24hrs.

Can I pick up my order instead of having it shipped?

Absolutely! Pick up is by appointment only. Place your order online and we will contact you when your order is ready to schedule a time for you to pick up. Pickup is only done at the Ty Ty, Ga Post Office, as we are a closed facility to help maintain our NPIP Certification.

Can Coturnix Quail be released to be wild or for hunting?

Our Coturnix quail are a domestic breed of quail that are not adapted for living in the wild. They do not know how to find food, shelter, or avoid predators. Also, because they are a non-native species, you cannot legally release these quail. Our Coturnix quail are raised in cages and selected to have a calm, docile temperament. They do not flush like Bobwhites and are not very useful for hunting. Coturnix Quail do not require a permit to own/transport in Georgia. Please check your own state’s applicable laws.

Our NorthernBobwhite Quail are available for release on any property you choose. If transporting within Georgia, please ensure you have a Georgia DNR Quail Handling Permit. They are $5 on the DNR site. Check all applicable laws in any other state you may transfer them through/to.