[princesspiggy]

iv got a batch of quails that are xbreeds so different sizes. all same age - sept hatch, some are laying and some "crow".
is there an easy way to sex them without having to separate them one at time to see if it lays or crows? i presume its the male that crows? apparently if pure bred, the smaller one is male, is that right? these are japanese/chinese/tuxedo crosses so variable sizes.

[lazybee]

I don't think you will be able to tell until they're older. The ones on the top are males and the ones on the bottom are females or a bit funny I would like to know if there's an easier way as well. I thought the males were bigger? I don't have any but my neighbour's got loads, I would ask him but we fell out 

[chezlouise1980]

Hi,

The normal japanese and Italian (also known as golden) are easy to sex. The male has a chestnut coloured plain breast, and the female has a speckled breast.
If you have british range, either with white tuxedo or not, you will need to "vent"sex them. Hold the bird with the breast facing up, and just above the tale is the vent. Males vents are more dome shaped, but this is sometimes hard to tell by. Give the vent a gentle squeeze between your thumb and forefinger, and if some foam is produced, then it is a male. If they have just mated though, you may get foam from the females vent if you know what i mean.

Hope that helps,
Cheryl

[princesspiggy]

we got them for table really but as they are laying i thot wed keep the layers 4 a while.colours are variable including white patches. theyre mongrel ones as they were hatching eggs from 3 diff breeds of hens-quails in cage with a cock. thanx, will try that.

[little blue]

as cheryl says, vent sexing is the best way, especially if the feather colour isnt a good indicator.
there are some great photos to help on the "coturnix corner" forum (sorry Dan!) if you're unsure what to look for

[princesspiggy]

great, didnt know bout that one.