Quail farming is an emerging sector in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, offering great potential for improving food security, enhancing livelihoods, and contributing to the country’s economic growth. As global demand for quail products like eggs and meat continues to rise, Nigeria has the opportunity to harness its resources and tap into the growing market.

Quail farming involves the breeding and raising of quails for their eggs, meat, and feathers. The two main species of quails reared for commercial purposes are the Coturnix quail and the Button quail. Quail farming is popular for its numerous advantages, including the ability to raise quails in limited spaces, their fast growth rates, and the high nutritional value of their eggs and meat.

The demand for quail eggs and meat is increasing globally, and Nigeria, with its growing population and changing dietary preferences, can benefit significantly from quail farming.

Starting a quail farming business in Nigeria requires careful planning, investment in resources, and knowledge of best farming practices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to launching a successful quail farm:

1. Research and Planning

The first step in quail farming is to conduct thorough research. Understanding the quail farming industry, the market for eggs and meat, and the specific needs of quails is crucial. Visit existing farms, attend agricultural seminars, and speak to experts in the field. Based on your findings, develop a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, costs, and projected profits.

2. Choose the Right Location

Location is key to the success of any farming venture. For quail farming, the location should have good ventilation, easy access to feed and water, and protection from predators. A space with a consistent temperature is ideal for quails, as they thrive in moderate temperatures of 18–24°C (64–75°F).

3. Select the Type of Quail

Choosing the right quail breed is crucial to the success of your farm. The Coturnix quail is the most popular for commercial egg and meat production due to its rapid growth, high egg production rate, and larger size. The Button quail is a smaller breed and typically raised for ornamental purposes but can also be farmed for its eggs and meat.

4. Construct the Farm Infrastructure

Proper infrastructure is essential for managing quail farming operations. This includes building cages or pens that are spacious, secure, and well-ventilated. Each quail should have enough space to move around comfortably. The farm should also have areas for egg collection, a feeding system, water supply, and storage for feed and equipment.

5. Purchase Quails and Equipment

Once the infrastructure is set up, it’s time to purchase quails and the necessary farming equipment. You will need feeders, waterers, incubators, and nesting boxes. For egg production, quail farms typically stock between 100 to 1,000 birds, depending on the farm’s capacity and available resources.

6. Provide Proper Nutrition and Care

Quails require a balanced diet to maintain health and productivity. Feed them specially formulated quail feed, which includes grains, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Ensure that they have access to fresh water at all times. Proper care also includes protecting them from diseases and parasites, which can negatively impact productivity.

7. Harvesting and Processing

Once the quails begin laying eggs or reach market size for meat, the harvesting process begins. Eggs should be collected daily to prevent contamination or damage. Quail meat can be harvested when they are 6-8 weeks old. After processing, the meat is cleaned, packaged, and stored.

The processing of quails involves cleaning, plucking, and packaging the eggs or meat for sale. For egg production, quail eggs are collected, cleaned, and packed into cartons. Quail meat is processed by slaughtering the birds, removing feathers, and cleaning them before they are either sold fresh or frozen.

In some cases, value-added products can be created from quail eggs and meat. Quail eggs are known for their high protein content and are used in various cuisines worldwide. Quail meat, on the other hand, is considered a delicacy and is sold in both local and international markets.

The global quail market is growing rapidly, driven by increased demand for nutritious food options and exotic meats. The market for quail eggs, in particular, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

The global quail egg market was valued at USD 1.93 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.77 billion by 2032. The primary drivers of this growth are the rising awareness about the health benefits of quail eggs and their increasing use in the food industry, cosmetics, and other processed products.

By Type:

Coturnix Quail Eggs: These are the most commonly farmed quail eggs due to their high production rate and larger size. They are widely consumed in both domestic and international markets.

Button Quail Eggs: These eggs are smaller but are sought after in niche markets, often in gourmet dishes.

By Application:

Food Industry: Quail eggs are highly valued in the food industry for their rich nutritional profile, which includes proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are used in various cuisines, such as sushi, salads, and pastries.

Cosmetics: Quail eggs are increasingly used in cosmetic products, including skincare items, due to their collagen content and antioxidant properties.

Processed Products: Quail eggs are also used in the production of pickled eggs, snacks, and other processed products.

The global quail meat market is also on an upward trajectory. By 2023, the global quail meat market is expected to reach USD 14.5 billion. As consumers become more health-conscious and seek alternative protein sources, quail meat, which is leaner and has a distinct taste compared to chicken, has become a popular choice.

In Nigeria, the demand for quail products is gradually increasing, particularly among middle-class consumers who are looking for alternative sources of protein. The market for quail eggs is expanding due to growing awareness about their health benefits. Additionally, quail meat is beginning to gain popularity in high-end restaurants and among individuals who prefer it for its low-fat content and unique flavor.

As Nigeria’s population continues to grow, the demand for both quail eggs and meat is expected to increase. This makes quail farming a lucrative opportunity for farmers, particularly in urban areas where there is an emerging middle-class market.

Despite the promising prospects, quail farming in Nigeria faces several challenges:

High Initial Investment: Setting up a quail farm requires significant capital for infrastructure, equipment, and the purchase of quails. Many small-scale farmers struggle to raise the necessary funds.

Lack of Knowledge and Training: Many Nigerian farmers lack sufficient knowledge about the specific needs of quails, including feeding, breeding, and disease management. This leads to high mortality rates and reduced productivity.

Disease Outbreaks: Quails are susceptible to various diseases, such as avian influenza, which can wipe out entire flocks if not managed properly.

Market Access and Infrastructure: Quail farmers often face difficulties in accessing markets for their products, especially in rural areas where infrastructure is lacking.

The future of quail farming in Nigeria looks promising. With the right investments in training, infrastructure, and technology, farmers can significantly increase their productivity and profitability. Additionally, government support for agricultural ventures and the rising demand for quail products offer an encouraging outlook.

Furthermore, as consumers become more health-conscious and embrace alternative protein sources, quail farming will continue to gain popularity in the Nigerian food market. The increasing demand for both quail eggs and meat on the international market also opens up export opportunities for Nigerian quail farmers.

Quail farming in Nigeria offers a viable pathway to improving food security, providing sustainable livelihoods, and contributing to economic development. Despite the challenges, there is great potential in this sector, particularly as the global demand for quail products continues to rise.

With careful planning, investment, and support, quail farming could play a crucial role in Nigeria’s agricultural growth and food security strategy.

If you require a bankable feasibility report on quail farming Nigeria, please contact us using any of the means below.

Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi

Founder & Market Research Analyst
Foraminifera Market Research Limited
foraminiferaltd@gmail.com or +2348033782777 (call and whatsapp)

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