Here’s the Way to Get Free Eggs In Utah Without the Chicken Mess

I didn’t realize how popular raising quail for eggs has become in Utah. Matt Ivie and his family filled me on this growing trend. They keep a covey of quail in a coop behind their house like you would with chickens.

Raising Quail for Eggs is Quieter and Less Messy

Every morning this family gathers the eggs and use them in their cooking. “They’re easier than chickens,” said Ivie. “It takes about four quail eggs to equal one chicken egg.” 

One of the benefits of raising quail is how small they are. The average quail is just 5 ounces so they require a lot less space than a bunch of chickens. They are also cleaner.

Ivie keeps some sand in the pen and the quail use it to clean themselves and lay their eggs. Quail are also quieter than chickens. The males do crow, but it's not the neighborhood waking version that a rooster will do as the sun rises.

You can hear the male crow here:

Eggs from Quail Taste Rich

The eggs they lay are smaller and there is more yoke than white part making the taste richer. They are small and spotted. You can purchase these little eggs in grocery stores, Costco and your local farmer's market.

Quail eggs are used around the world in street foods and higher end dishes. There are many people passionate about these little birds. They are popular in Philippine street food and Japan uses them in ramen and other dishes.

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They are the perfect size for ouer d’oeurves. “There is always a community there that you didn’t realize until you start getting into it,” said Ivie. “It’s pretty popular.” 

If you are interested in raising quail, you might try buying some quail eggs first and see if you like them. Then look into the popular breeds and get started. Then you can tell your neighbors about your covey of quail and share the little speckled eggs with them.