Thistle Dew! Farms

Bobwhite Quail
The northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), also known as the Virginia quail or (in its home range) bobwhite quail, is a ground-dwelling bird native to Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, with introduced populations elsewhere in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. It is a member of the group of species known as New World quails
 (Odontophoridae). They were initially placed with the Old World quails in the pheasant family (Phasianidae), but are not particularly closely related. The name "bobwhite" is an onomatopoeic derivation from its characteristic whistling call. Despite its secretive nature, the northern bobwhite is one of the most familiar quails in eastern North America, because it is frequently the only quail in its range. Habitat degradation has likely contributed to the northern bobwhite population in eastern North America declining by roughly 85% from 1966 to 2014. This population decline is apparently range-wide and continuing.

They are intricately patterned in brown, rufous, buff, and black. Males have a bold black-and-white head pattern. Females have a buffy throat and eyebrow. Northern Bobwhites travel in coveys and run across the ground from the shelter of one shrubby patch to another. When they are flushed, they explode into flight with quick wingbeats and then duck into the nearest cover. Northern Bobwhites live in open pine forests, overgrown fields, shrubby areas, and grasslands. They respond well to areas managed with prescribed fire, which helps to maintain an open, grassy ground layer. 

Bobwhite Fertilized Eggs (12)

$ 10.00 USD
This all purpose strain has been selectively bred for Flight Ability, (wing and tail feathers longer), Size (big enough for meat birds), High productivity that produces a large number of eggs, disease resistance which makes them easier to raise. Will mix and interbreed readily with regular Bobwhite. 1 dozen fertilized eggs. No guarantee on hatch rate. We are hatching over 75% but shipping decreases that.

Adult Bobwhite Flight Birds

$ 15.00 USD
Bobwhites are usually raised either for meat or for training hunting dogs and in hunting reserves. Bobwhites are usually the only quail allowed to be released in the USA, but some areas still require a permit. They grow larger than Coturnix but take longer to mature. Bobwhites take 22 weeks before they are developed enough for a good flight. We do not ship adult birds. Pick up is available at our hatchery or we can deliver them for a fee. Discount available on larger coveys

Quail Foster Program

$ 20.00 USD
Our fostering program provides funding of1 bird from egg incubation, brooding, runout growth, flight readiness and release. As a foster parent you will be given pics or video updates and a certificate from the TWRA and the government department of Interior containing the latitude and longitude of where your bird has been released into the wild. In attempts to regrow the declining population of the bobwhite flocks, most birds will be released in the Great Smoky Mountain Area.

Juvenile Bobwhite Flight Birds Early Release

$ 10.00 USD
When we started raising Quail, my goal was to have the most natural acting birds we could grow. We searched from Texas to the Carolinas to find the best flushing bloodline and good callback instinct of Quail we could. The strain that we have are by far the best we found. All of our quail are raised in flight houses. All on Automatic feeders and waters which helps cut down on the time spent around them. The houses are kept dark to keep them fully feathered and spooky. We feed them only high quality feed. We will not sacrifice good nutrition and high protein to save a buck. In order to have good performing Quail, you must have good genetics, quality feed and proper care by the grower. We believe along with our customers that we have all 3 of these traits. They are mature at 18 weeks of age. These Quail will flush hard and fly hard. All our birds are NPIP tested by the University of Tennessee. Since June of 2020, feed cost has increased 35%. That is a massive increase that we soaked up the 2020/21 season. Unfortunately, we are forced to increase our prices going forward. Early Release 10 to 12 weeks old – Flight and Weather Conditioned: Discount available on large coveys

Breeding pair of Bobwhites

$ 20.00 USD
This is for a proven pair of mated Bobwhites that have laid successful fertilized eggs. Additional adult females can be purchased to expand your flock. We do, however, recommend that if you are planning on breeding with them that you allow us time to assure they all cohabitate as 1 covey. We do not ship adult birds. Pick up is available at our hatchery and we can deliver them for a fee

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