Quail

Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) are an increasingly popular poultry bird, due to their prolific egg laying and fast growth. Commercial domestic breeds begin laying up to 320 eggs a year at 6 weeks, and are at full weight at 10 weeks. As their name suggests, they were first domesticated in Japan, and come in a wide variety of colors. Wild quail species, such as the bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) are classified as game animals in New Jersey and require special permits.

Nomenclature

Young quail are called chicks or cheepers.
Adult females are called hens.
Adult males are called cocks.
A group of quail is called a covey, bevy, or flock.
Housing for quail is usually called a pen or hutch.

Basic Numbers

18 days until eggs hatch.
3 weeks until sexable (although there are sex-linked varieties, and others that cannot be feather-sexed).
6 weeks until laying.
10 weeks until full maturity.
3-4 years average life span.