“ We choose the name Alchemist Farm because we are always turning one thing into another around here , ” says Franchesca , who ’s base in Northern California . “ Soil turns to grass . Grass turns to food for thought for the chicken . food for thought turns to eggs . egg turn to doll . skirt release to chicken . chicken go out fertiliser for the pasture , and the whole beautiful round begins again . ”
As the Alchemist Farm circle has also expanded to include some eye - catchingquailthat star on the venture’sInstagram account , we spoke to Franchesca about living with quail , the fast - paced way they embrace the globe around them , and why you might want to consider adding some to your own backyard .
The Difference Between Chickens and Quail
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“ Quail have a totally dissimilar emotional profile than wimp in that they are prey fauna , ” says Franchesca , when ask about how the birds take issue from Alchemist Farm ’s chicken . “ Quail become quite fearful if they are out in the undefended and favor to dart from one brush - encompass domain to another . They do not have the roosting instinct [ like chickens ] and catch some Z’s on the ground . ”
How to House Quail
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Franchesca say that at first the little birds were housed in prominent tractors — that apparatus , however , made them woeful . Now they merrily reside in both a respectable walk - in aviary packed with light touch for them to cover in and a minor , rabbit hutch - styled envelopment .
“ I believe that the most humane treatment of any animal is to give it what it instinctively wants while keep it dependable , ” she says . “ For chicken it is stack of space and a safe henhouse at night . For quail , it is a smaller , womb - similar outer space where they can crouch down and dust bathe in ataraxis . ”
Lovin’ the Fast Life
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“ crosshatch quail is one of the most enjoyable component part of continue them , ” say Franchesca . “ Unlike poulet chicks , which take a few days to full get their balance and legs under them , quail are ready for natural process on Clarence Day one : As soon as a quail pops out of the egg , they take off turn tail ! ”
It ’s normal for the first think of birds to run around jostling the eggs of its comrade and sisters — and if you take heed tight , you could even learn the unhatched dame responding !
“ Everything about quail is fast , ” Franchesca adds . “ From the here and now they think of to the mere six weeks it takes for female to make matureness and begin laying . They amount into and out of the world fast because , in the wild , they are an authoritative part of our ecosystem , feeding many heavy animals higher in the food chain above them . ”
Behold the Beautiful Eggs
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Quail egg are total oculus candy . You might find eggs in a rustic brownish coloring with speckled patterns ; you ’ll encounter others in a pastoral shadowiness of blue angel . Franchesca sum up that the blue eggs admit a raised grain , while the browns are totally smooth .
“ A little - do it fact about quail is that they will lay the same radiation pattern on their ball everyday , ” she reveal . “ The large speckles or spattering of color may be in different places , but you will always know which one laid a specific egg if you are devote aid . ”
Consider Bringing Quail Home
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If you ’ve toyed with the thought of introduce backyard chickens to your property but are n’t sure you have enough space , Franchesca advocate considering quail .
“ They are fantabulous choices for citizenry in urban background and small backyards who want to produce their own eggs because they lay as many nut as chickens and require very little blank space , ” she allege . “ Whether your farm is a raise urban bed or one C of acres , quail will be a lovely accession to your life . They give back so much and start laying eggs faster than any other domestic Bronx cheer in the fowl man .
“ Give them a whirl , you will be well-chosen you did ! ”
