Gamble
Quail
(Callipepla Gambelii)
Description: Gamble Quail resemble Californian Quail but have no scale markings on the under belly and the neck ruff and back adomen differ from that of the Californian Quail. Male Gamble Quail have a black crest (top-knot), chestnutt head cap, grey backs, wings and tails. The male's face is black outlined with white on the top and side. He also has chestnutt flanking with white-lined specks underneath the wings. The female is mainly a darker shade of grey with a grey body, tail, crest and face. She does have a slight outline of light grey/ white seperating her cap above her eyes. She also has a brownish tinge on her flanks but not near as apparant or bright as the males. Both sexes have greyish-white underbellys.
Below is a breeder pair (hen in front).
Size: These Quail average to be about 10 inches (25cm).
Origin: Gamble Quail are distributed throughout the U.S. in dry areas of California, Utah, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico.
Mutations/Sub-species: Californian Quial (Callipepla Californica)- have black & white scaled underbelly and neck ruff.
Diet: A good diet for these Quail consist of fresh water, Quail grower pellets (for growing adult birds), starter pellets (for young birds) and layer or breeder pellets (for breeding birds). They will also eat mixed millets, greenfoods and some live food.
General Care: These birds are fairly low maintnece but should not be housed in damp areas.
Compatibility: Gamble Quail settle well in aviary surroundings but get starttled easily by strangers or varrious noises. They are best kept in single pairs or in a flock with a one male to one female ratio. Males can be agressive toward other males of the same speicies during breeding season but will not attack other birds. You can house numerous males and females together in a large aviary but I would not consider housing many males together with females in small cages.
Housing: While Gamble Quail can be successfully maintained in bare aviaries or flight cages, we get best breeding results by housing them in an aviary with access to the ground. They do perch and must be provided with numerous perches throughout the aviary. The aviary dose not require heat in winter but it should not remain damp.
Song: Gamble Quail have varrious calls. Click the button below to hear an adult and a young male gamble practicing their calls.
Breeding: Hens must be provided some enclosure or hiding places in which to make a hollow and lay eggs. Old tree stumps, bushes or even sheltered boxes with an entrace can be used. In the hollow she will lay 1-20 eggs which she will incubate alone for 20-23 days. To maximise egg production we place the eggs in an incubator set at 100-102 F (38-39 C). Once the young Gamble hatch they are placed in a warm brooder were they eat and run about shortly after.
Price:
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Mutation
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Price Each
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Price Per Pair
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Normal (Wild Type)
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$17.50 Each
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$30.00 Pair
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