Button Quail

• ExerciseLow

  Content with perch-hopping and a little out-of-cage time.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceGreat first pet

  Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• Commitment3–5 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Egg binding · Nutritional deficiency · Parasites

The Button Quail, or king quail, is a tiny ground bird native to Asia and Australia, weighing just 40-70 grams with a lifespan of 3-5 years. Delightfully small and quiet, these busy little birds live entirely on the ground and are often kept on the floor of finch aviaries as peaceful clean-up crew, or in their own low enclosures as low-noise, low-space pets. House them in a low, wide enclosure with a soft or padded ceiling, since startled quail flush straight upward and can injure their heads. Provide a soft substrate, hiding spots, and a dust-bathing area. Feed a high-protein game-bird or quail crumble supplemented with greens, small seeds, grit, and calcium for laying hens, which are prone to egg binding. Button Quail are ground foragers that rarely perch and prefer minimal handling. Keep bedding clean and dry to prevent parasites and provide cover to reduce stress, and they make quiet, endearing, easy-care companions.

• How much activity does a Button Quail need?

  Low. Content with perch-hopping and a little out-of-cage time.

• How much feather care does a Button Quail need?

  Easy upkeep. Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• What cage does a Button Quail need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Button Quail a good fit for first-time owners?

  Great first pet. Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• How long do Button Quail live?

  3–5 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Button Quail?

  Keep an eye out for Egg binding, Nutritional deficiency, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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