Determining the difference between a male quail and a female quail is quite simple. But the birds must be over 3 weeks old. After three weeks of age, they will have enough adult feathers to tell them apart.
There are many breeds of quail, but the gender differences tend to be the same for all quails.
Differences between male and female quail
Here we are talking about the differences between male and female pharaoh quail or Japanese quail. Although the sex differences are generally the same for all quails.
bird size
First, look at the size of the quails. Female quails are slightly heavier than males. The average body weight of males is 100-140 grams. And the average weight of a female quail is 112-156 grams.
look at your chest
You can examine the chest of your birds. The differences between male and female quail are very easy to spot if you have wild colored quail like Japanese, Italian, and red skins.
Examine the color and spots on the quail’s breast. In females, the breast is usually light, cream or pale brown with brown spots.
But the males have dark colored breasts, like reddish brown, and will not be spotted.
Discover below
In the case of a certain breed of quail, it is quite difficult to distinguish a male from a female quail by color and pattern. For example, determining the sex of a Texas quail is quite difficult. In this case, you need to inspect the bird from below.
Hold the quail’s body firmly, but do not hold the bird’s legs. Because quail legs are very fragile. Gently but firmly grasp the quail then turn it over.
And then examine the cesspool. Blow into the feathers under the tail to expose the vent. If you see a slight bulge, it is a male quail. But if you can’t see the bulge just by looking at the cloaca, place one finger above the cloacal opening and the other below the opening.
Apply light pressure and if the bulge pops out, it’s a man. Foam can also come out of the cesspool when pressed, which also indicates that it is a male. But if there is no swelling and foam when pressing on the vent, then the quail is a female.
difference in behavior
You can also tell a male quail from a female by observing their behavior. Male quails are generally more aggressive towards each other, while females are calmer.
Male quail will attack unless kept in a large room with plenty of hiding places.
Listen to their voice
You can also tell a male quail from a female by listening to their voice. Male quails often call for female quails, but sometimes the female gives a call that sounds like some breeds of quail.
The males usually call a lot during the mating season and they are noisy. The males have a distinctive crow which is best described as a snapping castanet.
And males will sing all night during mating season to attract females. The female quail chirps but does not sing.
Watch the birds during the mating season
You can also observe your birds during the mating season. Females usually build a nest to lay their eggs.
But in some species, the males also build the nest. Therefore, you should not rely on this method to determine the sex of birds.
However, these are common methods for determining the sex of a quail. Hope this helps you!
