Kamloops resident Tag Friesen holding a Coturnix quail.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Edith Friesen
May 14, 2023 - 8:00 AM
A small hobby farm buying and selling quail and quail eggs is ramping up into a full-time business.
Tag Friesen, age 14, took the initiative at the end of March and is now doing social media marketing and sales, and managing the birds, all around his school schedule.
“I have my sisters and stepdad helping, but I manage the business, clean pens, collect eggs and feed and water the birds,” he said. “I have quite a few customers, I’m learning how to run a business.”
Cracking Quails sells hatching eggs, eggs for eating, quail chicks and adult quails. They are a breed of quail called Coturnix, the most popular with backyard farmers because they are quiet and easy to take care of, according to petkeen.com. They lay a lot of eggs, up to 300 per bird per year, and are considered a good breed for beginners.
“It’s not too uncommon to buy and sell quail and some of them are purchased as pets,” Friesen said. “We built up pens and put in netting, then picked some birds up from a breeder. We have close to 100 birds now. They're not too loud and as long as they're warm, will constantly lay eggs."
Coturnix quail eggs for sale by Cracking Quails in Kamloops.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Tag Friesen
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There are roughly 130 species of quail around the world, and their meat and eggs are considered a delicacy. According to numerous websites the eggs have high nutritional value and health benefits. Friesen said his family first bought some quail because his sister is allergic to chicken eggs but can tolerate quail eggs.
At the end of April, Friesen started taking orders for eggs and hatching eggs and he asks those who are interested in a current price list to send a message here.
He’s currently charging ten dollars for a dozen eggs but prices are subject to change as he grows and develops the business. Orders are for pickup, and payments are by cash or e-transfer at crackingquails@gmail.com.
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