Growing up
'Mearns are the most unusual of the New World quail. They look like a committee put them together, as they are out of proportion when compared to any other quail. Their heads are extra large, and their eyes are big and compelling when they give you their famous 'melt your heart stare'.
The quote above, taken from Dr Leland Hayes book “Upland Game Birds” just about describes our baby. Now rising 6 weeks old, it’s starting to look like a ‘real’ Mearns quail, and the attractive white ring round the eyes is becoming more apparent.
It took quite a long time for the chick to learn how to eat (with our help, of course) but all the effort and sleeplessness was worth it as our baby is now self-sufficient and is happily eating us out of house and home. It’s still in the brooder but is now growing fast and has really outgrown this so we shall be moving it into more spacious quarters very shortly.
So far, things seem to be going well, and I have to say that this is the highlight of my quail breeding career.
Further news updates will be posted as appropriate.