By Fiona Gallagher · permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie
“I lost seven quail to foxes on my first run, teaching me that secure housing matters more than egg counts.”
— Fiona. If you can't eat it, it goes to the chooks.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopQuail suit tight spaces. I found that out after my first coop in Tassie fell apart - $420 at Bunnings for timber and mesh, all of it scrapped because I built it like a garden shed instead of a structure that had to handle a Tasmanian winter. They barely need room, they lay quickly, and they give you meat without the feed overhead of chickens or larger birds. What follows is the setup I'd build today, what it actually costs, and the legal side of keeping quail in Australia.
By Fiona Gallagher · permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie
“I lost seven quail to foxes on my first run, teaching me that secure housing matters more than egg counts.”
Quail earn their keep on my Tassie block. They need almost no room, start laying within weeks, and can be butchered for meat. What follows is the pen setup I landed on, every dollar I spent — including a $420 mistake I'll get to shortly — and the compliance requirements that apply in Australia.
| Item | Cost (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quail Coop (100 birds) | $500–$800 | Wire mesh, ventilation, predator-proof |
| Feeders & Waterers | $100–$150 | Use Bunnings metal troughs |
| Heat Lamp (for chicks) | $50–$70 | Jaycar 100W infrared |
| Quail Starter Feed | $20–$30 | Buy in bulk from feed stores |
| Monitoring Tools | $50 | Thermometer, egg cartons |
A: ~1m² (AS/NZS 3588:2013). Use raised platforms to save space.
A: Check with your state’s Department of Primary Industries. Quail are generally permitted.
A: Yes, but pasteurize to avoid Salmonella. Use a dedicated egg pasteurizer.
A: 2–3 years, but productivity drops after 12 months.
A: Spring for egg production, autumn for meat (quail grow faster in cooler temps).
Legal Disclaimer: Always check local council and state regulations for livestock. Quail may require permits in some areas. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling animals. Consult a vet for disease management.
Worth a watch: Quails | My land · UATV English