Can You Really Make Money Raising Quail? (Yes—and Here’s How)

Raising quail isn’t just for hobbyists or backyard bird lovers anymore—it’s quickly becoming one of the most accessible and profitable ways to start earning from your homestead. Whether you’ve got a sprawling property or just a small backyard, quail farming offers fast returns, low overhead, and high demand for both eggs and meat.

So… can you really make money raising quail? Let’s dig into it.

---

---

Why Quail Are a Top Choice for Homestead Profit

Compared to other livestock, quail reproduce quickly, mature fast, and take up very little space. They’re quieter than chickens, thrive in small enclosures, and start laying eggs at just 6–8 weeks old.

Most importantly—they can pay for themselves (and then some).

In our Homestead Hangout episode, Judd from Judd’s Quail shared how he built a small-scale quail business from scratch that now supports his family—and grew to over 500 quail in under a year.

---

What You Need to Get Started

You don’t need acres of land or expensive infrastructure to raise quail for profit. Here’s what Judd recommends:

• Incubator: Around $100–$250 depending on brand (this is what I use)
• Brooder Setup: You can DIY one for under $50
• Quail Eggs: A starter pack of 18–108 eggs runs $36–$100 (you can get your eggs here)
• Growout Pens: Keep it simple with predator-proof cages or stacked pens

Total cost to launch? Under $300 in many cases.

---

The Quail Income Strategy: Earning $800+ Per Month Per Hen

Judd’s approach is simple, repeatable, and scalable—but what really surprises most people is just how profitable a single quail hen can be.

With the right setup, one laying hen can generate over $800 per month through the sale of fertile eggs and chicks. Multiply that by just a few hens, and you’re looking at a business that can quickly grow into thousands of dollars in revenue—right from your backyard.

Here’s a potential breakdown:

• A hen lays nearly one egg per day
• Fertile eggs sell for $1–$1.50 each
• 30 eggs/month × $1 = $30 from eggs alone
• Hatch those eggs and sell chicks or raise to 8 weeks and sell for $6–$8 each
• Hatch 100 birds/month = $600–$800+ in revenue

With a steady rotation, even a modest setup can generate consistent monthly cash flow—and scale from there.

---

Selling Quail: Eggs, Meat, & More

There are multiple income streams to tap into:

• Fertile Eggs: Sell online or locally for $1–$1.50 per egg
• Processed Meat: $6–$8 per bird is common for cleaned, packaged quail
• Live Birds: Sell roosters, hens, or breeding trios
• Pickled Quail Eggs: Great for farmer’s markets or roadside stands

Tip: Always check your local regulations for selling processed meat. Judd keeps it simple by only offering private party sales.

---

Real Talk: What Most New Quail Farmers Get Wrong

Some of the biggest mistakes Judd made—and sees others make—include:

• Out-hatching your setup: Too many chicks and not enough space = losses
• Assuming quail are maintenance-free: They’re easier than goats, but still need daily care
• Skipping light and feed consistency: Quail stop laying if stressed

Plan for systems—not chaos—and keep your flock size in balance with your infrastructure.

Want to see the full episode? Check it out here:

---

Is Quail Right for Your Homestead?

✅ Want fast ROI?
✅ Don’t have much space?
✅ Need an entry point into homesteading?
✅ Like the idea of monthly cash flow?

Then yes—quail could be the perfect starting livestock.

Whether you want to generate income, create food security, or dip your toes into raising animals, quail make it easy and attainable.

---

Graham’s Story: Quail, Family, and Finding Purpose

One of the most powerful parts of this episode was hearing Graham’s story—how quail became more than a hobby or business. It became a way forward during an incredibly difficult time.

After his wife was diagnosed with cancer, Graham was forced to scale back work and shift priorities. He needed to stay close to home, support his family, and prepare for an uncertain future. That’s when he turned to quail.

With little more than a pen from a friend and a desire to help his wife and kids, Graham began raising birds. What started as a side idea quickly became a full operation—now with 500+ birds, a thriving poultry swap community, and a passion for helping others get started too.

His story isn’t just inspiring—it’s proof that quail farming can provide real income, flexibility, and hope when life gets hard. For Graham, quail became more than livestock. They became a symbol of strength, survival, and staying grounded in purpose.

---

Join the Homestead Hustle Society

If this kind of hands-on, real-life learning is your thing—you’ll love the Homestead Hustle Society. It’s a monthly membership where we help homesteaders turn their skills into income, step-by-step.

Each month comes with a themed challenge (think: selling eggs, starting a roadside stand, marketing your meat birds), group support, and the exact tools and strategies to make it happen.

Whether you’re dreaming of going full-time or just want your hobby to pay for itself, we’ll help you get there—without the overwhelm.

👉 Join the Homestead Hustle Society here and start building your homestead income the smart way.

---

What’s Next?

If you’re inspired by Judd’s story and ready to try raising quail yourself:

• Watch the full Homestead Hangout episode
• Visit Judd’s Quail to order fertile eggs or equipment
• Subscribe for more real-talk interviews from working homesteaders
• Leave a comment—Are you thinking of raising quail for profit?

---

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, or believe will add value to your homestead journey. Thank you for supporting my small farm and helping me continue creating free content!