Quail Behavior Explained: Funny, Odd & Totally Normal
Curious why your quail are crying, flopping, or walking backward? This guide breaks down quirky Coturnix behavior so you don’t panic.
When I got my first Coturnix quail, I was prepared—or so I thought. I had the setup, the feed, the brooder, and all the advice I could find. But nothing prepared me for how downright weird these little birds can be.
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Whether you’re raising quail for eggs, meat, or just for fun, there’s a good chance you’ll see them do something strange and wonder, “Is this normal?” In this post, I’m sharing the funniest, most baffling behaviors I’ve seen in my coveys—plus a few answers to help ease your mind.
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. Pressed flat to the ground with eyes closed, they resemble nothing more than a small desert stone.
Quail Cry When You Leave
Yes, really. After a visit to the brooder or dropping treats into the aviary, you’ll sometimes hear the saddest little mewing sound after 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 quick backward shuffle usually means they’re eliminating. It’s weird, yes—but also normal. Constipation does occasionally happen, though, especially in 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.
It’s one of the best parts of raising them: they’re active, curious, and weirdly graceful when they want to 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.
Quail 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 a rock or behind a corner hideout. It’s part of the charm—and the challenge—of raising quail.
The Roosters Surprise Themselves
Quail cocks (that’s the correct term!) crow, but not in the barnyard rooster 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 roosters still look mildly offended when they crow. I can’t help but think of Steve Urkel: Did I do that?
If you’re still figuring out how many hens and cocks to keep together, you’ll want to read this guide on how many quail you actually need.
More Funny Quail Behaviors
Quail are endlessly entertaining. Here are a few more behaviors you might notice:
- 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? Here are some of the most common questions I get:
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, these quirky behaviors are normal—and often hilarious. The longer you raise quail, the more you’ll come to appreciate their unique personalities and instincts.
Hopefully, this post helps you feel more prepared (and less panicked) when your quail do something unexpected. Because trust me, they will.
Want to learn more about raising Coturnix quail with confidence? Check out my sister site, Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm, and also grab a copy of my book 5 Mistakes New Quail Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)—it’s full of tips I wish I’d had when I was just getting started.