Cotrunix quail can come in a wide variety of feather colors, all of which have a specific name. Here are pictures of chicks we have hatched, what they look like as chicks and how they have feathered out as adults! Check out our quail chick colors:
If you’re looking for cotrunix quail chicks, a local breeder is your best option. Check Craig’s List or Facebook quail groups to locate a breeder with the feather and egg colors you want. Murray McMurray hatchery has begun offering shipped coturnix quail but buying hatching eggs is also a wonderful option if you own an incubator. (We’ve also got helpful info on keeping backyard quail and pictures of quail pens if you need it!)
Just Show Me The Quail Chick Pictures!
What is Falb Fee or Fee?
The Fee gene is a gene that dilutes gold tones, making the feathers look gray or even whitish instead of gold or brown. It is considered a rare color and has beautiful effects on the bird’s coloring.
When you combine the Fee gene with standard colors, you get a new feather color with a new name:
Pharaoh + Fee = Falb Fee
Italian + Fee = Pearl (sometimes called Italian Fee or Pearl Fee)
Tibetan + Fee = Grau Fee
Often chicks with the Fee dilution gene can be told apart at hatch.
Some Colors Are Tricky
It is difficult to identify Pearl (Italian + Fee) chicks from standard Italian chicks. It is only made slightly easier if you have both colors in the same hatch. The differences are extremely subtle but Italian chicks tend to be more warm golden while pearl chicks are a lighter yellow all over. The pearl chicks also seem to have thin, ‘stippled’ stripes on their backs or extra spotting whereas the Italian chicks have fairly uniform striping. But not always! Hopefully these images help you determine if your chick is indeed the elusive and desirable pearl!
Yes, You Can Leg Band Quail Chicks!
Hopefully this helps you determine your cute quail chick colors!
STEPHEN ANTHONY BISSONETTE says
THANKS FOR THE INFO. WE JUST RECEIVED SOME STANDARD QUIL OF ASSORTED COLORS. THIS WILL HELP IDENTIFY THEM.