APAYAO, July 6, 2020 – Twenty (20) farmers from Conner (7), Flora (7), Luna (3), and Pudtol (3) received 1,600 head of quails and 146 bags of layer feeds worth Php 464,900 under the Quail Production Project of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program (FY2019 funds).

The said project aims to support the livelihood of small-scale farmers in the province. Mrs. Mercedes Pechon, one of the beneficiaries from Pudtol, shared that these birds will help her family financially.

“Nagasatnak la unay ah nga makaawat ak iti kastuy nga intervention ta matulungan nak to iti panggep financial. Aglaloita ta agcollege tay ubing kon. Adan tu mang-supapak nu kaspagarigan kasapulak iti agserbi para panagbasa tay ubing ko, kasla kuma nu addan to panakabalin na, ada maited ko nga pang allowance na,” [I am very blessed that I received such intervention because this will help me with my financial needs. I will be able to support my child in her school needs and I will be able to provide for her allowance] Mrs. Pechon said.

She also added that these farm inputs granted by the program during this CoViD-19 pandemic gave her a sign of hope.

“Maragsakan nak ta etuy nga suporta iti SAAD kadakami uray madama iti krisis gapu CoVid-19 ket tuluy-tuloy lata. Nu para kanyak a ket kasla nak lang nabiyagan nga makaawat iti kastuy a gatad, ta iti kinarigat biyag ita nga pandemic sab-sabali nga talaga,” [I am grateful for the continuous support of SAAD during this CoViD-19 crisis. With this, I feel like I was given a new hope to live despite the hurdles caused by the pandemic] she added.

Raising Quails

Quails are hardy birds that thrive in small cages and are inexpensive to raise. If provided with proper cultural management (appropriate housing, nutrition, husbandry, hygiene and sanitation), quails are resistant to poutry diseases (The Poultry Site, 2006).

When growing quails, one must remember the following:

1. Housing must be well-insulated, well-ventilated, and free from draughts that will provide protection from cats, rodents, and predatory birds;
2. Clean and fresh water should be provided at all times;
3. To maintain egg production and fertility, the birds require 14-18 hours of light per day;
4. Take care when working with quail, as they are easily startled and struggle vigorously when caught. Such rough handling may kill them; and
5. Cages, feeders, waterers, and tools should be cleaned and sanitized frequently. At the age of 6 to 7 weeks, the quail reach sexual maturity and start laying eggs. ###

Writer: Kath Agonoy, SAAD Apayao Information Officer; Jennifer Valcobero, SAAD NPMO Public Relations & Comms Officer

Reference:

The Poultry Site. 2006. Raising Japanese Quail. February 17. https://thepoultrysite.com/articles/raising-japanese-quail