Quail Are Weird: Funny Behaviors Explained
Quail behavior can look… odd. “Dead” sleeping, backward-poop shuffles, startled crowing. Here’s what’s normal so you can relax.
When I got my first Coturnix quail, I thought I was ready. I had the setup, the feed, the brooder. All the things the internet said I’d need. What I wasn’t ready for was just how downright weird these little birds are. Curious about adding quail to your homestead? Here’s why more and more backyard farmers are giving quail a try.
Whether you’re raising quail for eggs, meat, or just because they’re fun to watch, you’ll eventually see them do something strange and wonder, ‘Is that normal?’ I’ve seen my coveys do some really weird things over the years, so I figured I’d share the weirdest ones and what’s really going on.
Quail Look Dead When They Sleep
From the day they hatch, quail tend to collapse into a full-body splat. It’s their preferred sleeping position, and it looks… concerning. I’ve opened the brooder more than once thinking the heat lamp had cooked them. But the moment the lid lifts? Popcorn. They’re up and running like nothing happened.
Even as adults, they continue this behavior. It’s actually a clever survival strategy, blending into their environment by going completely still. When they sprawl out with their eyes closed, they look like little pebbles trying to disappear.
Quail Cry When You Leave
Yes, really. After you drop in treats or check the brooder, you’ll sometimes hear the saddest little mewing sound as you walk away. One starts, then another joins in, until it becomes a full-on whiny chorus. It’s endearing… and effective. More than once, I’ve turned back just to toss in a few more dandelion greens.
Quail Walk Backward to Poop
The first time I saw a quail walking backward across the pen, I panicked. Was it sick? Dizzy? Injured?
Nope. Just pooping.
That little backward shuffle? Totally normal. Weird, yes, but normal. Every now and then, one might get a little backed up (especially young or stressed birds). Make sure your quail get plenty of fiber (greens are great) and access to grit to help keep things moving.
Quail Are Acrobats
My kids love feeding the quail through the top of the run because the birds jump like popcorn to grab the goodies. They also scale logs, balance on stumps, and sometimes do a strange head-bobbing dance on their favorite rock.
One of my favorite things about raising them is how active, curious, and weirdly graceful they can be.
Eggs Pop Right Out of Them
Chickens take their time. Ducks sneak off to hide their eggs. Quail? They lay eggs like it’s an afterthought. They don’t bother with a nest. They’ll drop eggs in the dust bath, by the feeder, or just mid-walk. Don’t be surprised if you find one tucked under the feeder or behind whatever’s nearby. It’s part of the fun (and the challenge) of raising quail.
The Roosters Surprise Themselves
Quail cocks (yes, that’s the right term) crow too, but not in the barnyard-rooster kind of way. And the first time they do it, they always seem startled—like the sound came from someone else. Honestly, even a year in, my cocks still look mildly offended when they crow. I can’t help but think of Steve Urkel: Did I do that?
Still figuring out how many hens and cocks to keep together? I break it all down in my guide on how many quail you actually need.
More Funny Quail Behaviors
Quail are endlessly entertaining. Here are a few more quirks you’ll likely spot:
- Stretching and blinking = a happy bird.
- Fluffing up = sometimes just comfortable, sometimes trying to warm up.
- Running instead of flying = Coturnix quail prefer running unless startled.
- Speed = don’t underestimate it. These little birds are fast!
Not sure if Coturnix quail are right for you? Here’s what makes them the top choice for homesteaders: why you should choose Coturnix quail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quail Behavior
Still wondering what’s normal? You’re not alone. These are questions I get all the time.
Curious about your quail’s quirky behavior? Save this post to reference later (especially when they start acting extra weird).
Quail are weird. That’s part of their charm.
From awkward backward pooping to startled crowing, quail quirks are totally normal and usually hilarious. The longer you raise quail, the more you’ll come to appreciate their unique personalities and instincts.
I hope this helps you feel more prepared (and a little less panicked) the next time your quail do something unexpected. Because trust me, they will. Want to feel more confident raising Coturnix quail? Head over to my sister site, Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm, and grab my book 5 Mistakes New Quail Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them). It’s packed with the kind of tips I wish I’d known when I started.