Nutrition
Boyd Quail are fed a proprietary diet that was developed by collaboration between nutritionists and raptor breeders. Wild Coturnix quail are known for their ability to stockpile vitamins and nutrients for migration. Paired with appropriate husbandry this yields a higher protein density and elevated levels of key fat soluble vitamins. Add in natural dietary enrichment and the result is a dark muscled feeder quail of exceptional quality.
Genetics
While connecting with the rich falconry culture of South Asia, Les Boyd was impressed by the native quail, Coturnix coturnix. This remarkable bird was the wild relative of the domesticated Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica (the quail commonly raised for human consumption). Imported wild Coturnix coturnix quail had a founding genetic influence on the Boyd Quail. Unlike their domesticated cousin, these small, flighty quail retain the tendency to stockpile nutrition for migration. Boyd Quail have been raised in a closed flock for generations, and the flock has been consistently managed to maintain wild-type size and nutritional quality. Unlike many commercial quail producers we do not maintain a distinct “breeder flock” that could result in the genes of a few individuals being over-represented. All of the quail that are raised to eight weeks breed and produce eggs that become the next generation.
Photo by T. Gettleman
Husbandry
Boyd Quail are raised in large, indoor flight pens with a peak height of 25ft-and we watch them fly all the way to the top! They have room to fly, move around and exhibit natural behaviors-including dust bathing, brooding, and defending small territories. Our birds are on a day-night cycle with high CRI lights and are provided nutritional enrichment in the form of black soldier fly larvae (raised on site). This attention to animal welfare contributes to both the quail’s quality of life and the quality nutrition of our final product.
Photo by T. Gettleman
A note on supplementing
Our complete quail are a complete meal. If you feed Boyd Quail in their entirety we do not recommend any additional vitamin or mineral supplements. Our processing methods freeze down the quail quickly and safely. If they are handled appropriately during thawing they are safe to feed whole. If you do eviscerate (remove the GI tract) or skin the quail as part of your feeding protocol, then you may want to consider adding a small amount of a balanced vitamin supplement.
10 year old Harris’s Hawk fed exclusively Boyd Quail
Biosecurity and Food Safety
Food safety is important. Boyd Quail are fed to beloved falconry birds and breeding raptors, even endangered species. We feed them to our own falcons and hawks, and we know that people depend on them to be a safe source of quality nutrition. We take every precaution to protect the health of these quail. They are raised isolated from any contact with wild birds. Foot baths, dedicated farm clothing, and strict biosecurity measures on site help prevent transmission of disease. Food safety doesn’t end with live quail, and careful handling on processing day is essential to a safe and nutritious product. We euthanize our quail using carbon dioxide in a manner approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. It leaves no residue and maintains the skin intact for a longer shelf life in the freezer. Every quail is then inspected, sorted by sex, arranged in a single layer, and promptly put into our -20°F walk in freezer. From there, they stay frozen all the way through packaging and delivery to your door.
