It wasn't all that long ago that I was ready to give up on quail. Their small size is a rather tiny portion if you are preparing a hearty meal, plus they require cages that must have separate feed and water containers.....all of which must be filled and cleaned daily.
But I was looking at a narrow picture of these wonderful little birds. For example, this spring we hatched 35 eggs....
and then just a couple of weeks later....
Then a couple of weeks later they are laying eggs....
Yes, the quail cycle is very fast, and very small. You could collect enough eggs to make an omelette but it might take a while. However, the eggs are perfect for pickling, and here's how I do mine.
A few years ago a quail breeder showed me how to sex quail. Terrified that I would accidentally kill them.....I have been nervous about the procedure and just simply do it the old fashioned way (wait for the crow). As a result, haven't culled in some time.
Well, it's that time of year and I pulled 4 2nd year quail that I believed to be males, as well as 5 of our spring babies....checking them the way I was taught by the breeder. I needed to cull some males from the flock.....but most importantly I really need some poultry stock in the pantry. Since these quail have been raised on 90% home grown feeds....they are pretty chemical-free and should make excellent stock.
I averaged 3-4 minutes from live bird in cage to this (another benefit).....
Because I am using these to make stock.....They are seasoned and placed in the oven to roast for a couple of hours (turns them into something like quail jerky.....the best way to get all of the flavor into the stock)
If these all had been young birds, I would have just breasted them out and saved that meat for a meal.....then used the rest for stock. But those 2 yo birds would have been tough.....and right now we need stock more than we need that meal.
Now that the meat and bones are ready, I'll be making stock. Lord willing, about 16 quarts of stock. If you don't know how I make my stock you could read about the turkey trotter stock here and it will give you a good idea. It's a process I'll explain more later.
By the way, I was 100% correct on sexing the quail.
