Chinese Painted Quail
Breed Description

The Button Quail, scientifically known as Excalfactoria chinensis, holds the distinction of being the world's smallest species of true quail. These remarkable little gamebirds are most commonly called Chinese Painted Quail in avicultural circles, a name that beautifully captures both their Asian origins and their stunning, multicolored plumage. The genus name Excalfactoria derives from Latin, roughly translating to "out of the oven," potentially referencing their warm, tropical origins or perhaps the incubation of their tiny eggs.

In different regions and among various hobbyist communities, these miniature quail go by several additional common names. Asian Blue Quail is sometimes used, particularly in reference to the striking blue coloration found in males of certain color mutations. King Quail is another occasional designation, though this can cause confusion as it's also applied to other small quail species. In their native range across Southeast Asia and Australia, local names vary widely, but the English common names have become standardized in the pet and aviary trade worldwide.

The species was first described scientifically in 1766 and has since been divided into several recognized subspecies based on geographic distribution and subtle plumage variations. Wild populations are found from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to Southern China, and south through Indonesia to Australia. Domesticated Button Quail have been selectively bred for various color mutations including silver, white, cinnamon, and numerous other striking varieties that are popular among breeders and collectors.

In the context of aviculture and small-scale poultry keeping, Button Quail occupy a unique niche as the smallest domesticated gamebird. They're neither practical for meat or egg production in any meaningful quantity, but rather are kept primarily for their ornamental value, their fascinating behaviors, and their suitability for enthusiasts with limited space. Their scientific classification places them in the family Phasianidae, making them relatives of chickens, pheasants, and larger quail species, though they're in their own distinct genus reflecting their miniature size and unique characteristics.

Button Quail are truly diminutive birds, with adult hens weighing a mere 1.5 to 2 ounces and measuring approximately 5 inches in total length. Males are slightly smaller, typically weighing between 1.25 and 1.75 ounces. To put this in perspective, a Button Quail weighs less than a standard chicken egg and can comfortably fit in the palm of a human hand. This extremely small size is their most distinctive physical characteristic and sets them apart from all other domesticated quail species.

Sexual dimorphism in Button Quail is quite pronounced, allowing for easy visual sexing once birds reach maturity at around 6-8 weeks of age. Males display vibrant coloration with a slate-blue throat and breast, chestnut-brown back feathers intricately patterned with black, buff, and white markings, and striking white facial markings that contrast beautifully with their dark heads. The belly typically shows black and white barring, and the overall impression is of a jewel-like, highly decorated little bird. In contrast, females are much more subdued in coloration, dressed in cryptic browns, tans, and buff tones with intricate barring and stippling that provides excellent camouflage among leaf litter and grasses.

The body structure of Button Quail is compact and rounded, with very short tails that are often barely visible. Their wings are proportionally small but capable of rapid, whirring flight when startled, though they prefer to remain on the ground. Legs are sturdy and well-developed for their size, colored in orange-yellow tones in wild-type birds. The feet lack the characteristic spurs found in many gamebirds. Their beaks are small, delicate, and well-suited for picking up tiny seeds and insects.

Numerous color mutations have been developed through selective breeding, greatly expanding the visual diversity available to hobbyists. The Silver mutation produces birds with reduced brown pigmentation, resulting in a silvery-gray appearance. White Button Quail are entirely white with pink eyes, while Cinnamon birds show warm, reddish-brown tones replacing the darker pigments. Blue, Splash, Pearl, and Tuxedo mutations offer additional variety. Despite these color variations, all retain the characteristic small size and body shape of the species. The diversity of available colors has made Button Quail increasingly popular among breeders who enjoy working with genetics to produce new and interesting combinations.

Button Quail are gentle, non-aggressive birds with fascinating social dynamics and behavioral patterns that make them delightful to observe. They are naturally timid and easily startled, a survival adaptation from their wild ancestry where ground-dwelling birds face constant predation pressure. This wariness means they will flush rapidly upward when frightened, capable of impressively quick, whirring flights despite their tiny size. However, when raised from hatchlings with regular human interaction and maintained in calm, stable environments, they become quite accustomed to their keepers and go about their daily activities with minimal concern for human presence.

Socially, Button Quail can be kept in several configurations depending on space and breeding goals. Pairs are the most common arrangement, with one male and one female housed together. Males are generally monogamous and attentive partners, participating in courtship displays that include circling the hen, calling softly, and offering food items. However, some males can become overly amorous, persistently pursuing hens in small enclosures. Providing adequate space and visual barriers helps minimize stress on females. Small groups consisting of one male with two or three females often work well, distributing male attention and reducing harassment of any single hen.

All-female groups are peaceful and function well together, avoiding the complications of breeding behavior entirely. However, housing multiple males together is generally not recommended unless in very large aviaries with ample hiding spots and visual barriers. Males may display territorial aggression toward one another, particularly during breeding season, though serious injuries are uncommon given their small size. When keeping Button Quail in mixed-species aviaries with finches or other small birds, ensure ample ground space as quail require floor area for foraging and other birds should have perching options to reduce competition.

Daily behavioral patterns follow predictable rhythms. Button Quail are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours, spending these times foraging industriously through substrate, dust bathing in dry areas, and engaging in social interactions. Midday often sees them resting in shaded areas or beneath cover, conserving energy during the warmest hours. They are not vocal birds compared to larger poultry, but males do produce a gentle, warbling call that serves both to attract females and to announce territory. This vocalization is barely audible beyond a few feet and is generally considered pleasant rather than intrusive.

Foraging behavior is one of their most endearing characteristics. Despite their diminutive size, Button Quail are enthusiastic scratchers and peckers, constantly searching through bedding or substrate for seeds, insects, and other food items. They move quickly and efficiently, covering significant ground area as they hunt for morsels. When provided with deep substrate or soil areas, they create shallow depressions for dust bathing, a critical behavior for maintaining feather health and controlling parasites. Observing a group of Button Quail engaged in synchronized dust bathing or foraging behavior provides endless entertainment for keepers and showcases their natural behavioral repertoire.

Housing Button Quail requires careful consideration of their small size, ground-dwelling nature, and sensitivity to environmental conditions, but their minimal space requirements make them accessible to keepers with limited room. A breeding pair can be successfully maintained in an enclosure as small as 2 feet by 2 feet by 1 foot tall, though larger is always better for bird welfare and behavioral enrichment. Small groups require proportionally more space, with a minimum of 1 square foot of floor space per bird, though 1.5 to 2 square feet per bird allows for more natural behaviors and reduces stress.

Enclosure construction must account for the birds' small size and flight capabilities. Mesh or hardware cloth with openings no larger than half-inch square prevents escapes and protects against predators while allowing adequate ventilation. The top of the enclosure should be solid or covered with soft cloth rather than wire, as Button Quail instinctively flush straight upward when startled and can injure themselves on hard wire ceilings. Many keepers use fabric-covered tops or soft foam padding to prevent head injuries during panic flights. Enclosure height of 12-18 inches is generally adequate since these birds don't perch high.

Substrate choice significantly impacts bird health and natural behavior expression. Pine shavings provide good absorbency and are safe for quail, though some birds may eat them occasionally. Sand mixed with peat moss creates excellent conditions for dust bathing while maintaining cleanliness. Some keepers use paper-based bedding or even newspaper for easy cleaning, though this provides less enrichment. Substrate depth of 2-3 inches allows for natural scratching and foraging behaviors. Provide dedicated dust bathing areas with fine sand or dry soil, as this behavior is essential for feather maintenance and parasite control.

Temperature management is critical for Button Quail health, as they're sensitive to both cold and heat extremes. Ideal ambient temperature ranges from 65-80°F. When temperatures drop below 60°F, supplemental heating becomes necessary. Ceramic heat emitters or infrared heat lamps work well, positioned to create warm zones while allowing birds to move to cooler areas if needed. During hot weather above 85°F, ensure excellent ventilation, provide shallow water dishes for bathing, and offer shaded areas. Humidity should be moderate, around 40-60%, with good ventilation to prevent respiratory issues.

Indoor housing in temperature-controlled spaces works extremely well for Button Quail and eliminates many climate-related challenges. Spare bedrooms, basements, or dedicated bird rooms can house multiple enclosures in a small footprint. Indoor housing also provides protection from predators, which is essential given these birds' vulnerability. Outdoor aviaries are possible in mild climates but require predator-proof construction using hardware cloth on all sides, including buried skirts to prevent digging predators. Overhead protection from hawks and owls is mandatory, as Button Quail are defenseless against aerial predators.

Furnishing the enclosure with appropriate enrichment enhances bird welfare and allows natural behaviors. Provide hiding spots using small cardboard boxes, clay pots laid on their sides, or artificial plants. These retreats give birds security and reduce stress, particularly for hens escaping overly amorous males. Live or artificial plants add visual complexity and foraging opportunities. Small logs or branches laid on the ground create natural barriers and territories. Avoid elevated perches since Button Quail rarely use them and may injure themselves attempting to land.

Maintenance requirements are straightforward but consistent. Remove soiled bedding and droppings daily from high-traffic areas, and perform complete bedding changes weekly or as needed based on bird numbers and enclosure size. Clean and refill water dishes daily, and inspect feeders to ensure fresh food is always available. Monthly deep cleaning with avian-safe disinfectants prevents disease buildup. The small size of Button Quail means waste production is minimal compared to larger poultry, but their ground-dwelling habits concentrate waste on substrate surfaces, making regular maintenance important for health and odor control.

Button Quail are omnivorous birds with dietary requirements similar to other gamebirds but scaled down to match their diminutive size. In the wild, they consume a varied diet of grass seeds, weed seeds, small insects, spiders, and tender plant shoots. Replicating this diversity in captivity ensures optimal health, feather condition, and breeding success. The foundation of a captive Button Quail diet should be a quality gamebird or quail starter/grower feed with 24-28% protein content. These commercial rations are formulated specifically for gamebirds and provide balanced nutrition in convenient, easily consumed crumbles or tiny pellets.

Feed should be offered in small, shallow dishes that allow easy access for these ground-feeding birds. Button Quail have surprisingly hearty appetites relative to their size, and adults typically consume approximately 5-8 grams of feed daily per bird. Fresh feed should always be available, as these active little birds have high metabolic rates and can't afford to go long periods without eating. Many keepers offer feed free-choice, allowing birds to self-regulate their intake, while others provide measured portions two or three times daily to monitor consumption more closely.

Supplementing the base diet with appropriate treats and fresh foods enhances nutrition and provides behavioral enrichment. Finely chopped dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce offer vitamins and minerals while encouraging natural foraging behavior. Avoid iceberg lettuce, which provides minimal nutrition. Small amounts of scrambled or hard-boiled egg crumbled very finely provide excellent protein, particularly during breeding season or for growing chicks. Mealworms, fruit flies, and other tiny insects are eagerly consumed and deliver protein and natural enrichment as birds hunt for these moving prey items.

Seeds can be offered as supplemental treats, but should not comprise the bulk of the diet as seed-only diets lack essential nutrients. Small amounts of millet, canary seed, and finch seed blends work well. Avoid large seeds that are difficult for Button Quail to manage. Some keepers sprinkle small amounts of seed across the enclosure substrate, encouraging natural scratching and foraging behaviors while delivering supplemental nutrition. This scatter-feeding technique provides mental stimulation and exercise.

Calcium supplementation is essential for laying hens to produce properly formed eggs and maintain skeletal health. Crushed oyster shell or cuttlebone should be available free-choice in a separate dish. Layer feeds designed for chickens can be offered to breeding hens but should be appropriately sized. Gamebird feeds with added calcium are ideal when available. Some keepers supplement with liquid calcium products added to drinking water, following manufacturer recommendations for dosage.

Fresh, clean water must be available at all times and is absolutely critical for Button Quail health. These birds can dehydrate quickly, particularly in warm conditions. Provide water in shallow dishes that allow easy drinking without risk of drowning. Depth should be no more than half an inch, though some keepers use chick waterers or specialized quail waterers. Water should be changed daily at minimum, and more frequently in hot weather or if soiled. Some keepers add electrolyte supplements to drinking water during hot weather or stressful periods, following product instructions carefully.

Avoid feeding items that are toxic to birds, including chocolate, avocado, raw beans, onions, and high-salt foods. While Button Quail are hardy and adaptable regarding diet, sudden changes can cause digestive upset. Introduce new foods gradually, monitoring for any adverse reactions. During breeding season, increase protein levels slightly to support egg production and chick development. Non-breeding birds can be maintained on slightly lower protein levels around 20-24%, though most keepers simply offer gamebird feed year-round for consistency.

Button Quail are generally hardy birds with few serious health issues when provided with proper nutrition, clean housing, and appropriate environmental conditions. Their small size makes them vulnerable to rapid health declines, as they have limited body reserves and cannot withstand illness or parasitism for extended periods without intervention. Preventive care and keen observation are essential, as these tiny birds can deteriorate quickly once symptoms become apparent. Establishing a relationship with an avian veterinarian experienced with gamebirds is invaluable, though finding vets willing to treat such small birds can sometimes be challenging.

While Button Quail face some health challenges related to their small size and specific requirements, attentive keepers who provide clean housing, proper nutrition, appropriate temperatures, and careful observation can maintain healthy flocks for years. The key to success lies in prevention through excellent husbandry rather than treatment of established problems. Learning to recognize early signs of health issues and intervening promptly makes the difference between successful recovery and rapid decline in these tiny birds.

Handling Button Quail requires a gentle approach appropriate to their extremely small size and naturally nervous temperament. These birds are not well-suited to frequent handling like some poultry breeds, but they can become quite tame with patient, consistent interaction from a young age. When handling is necessary for health checks, enclosure maintenance, or relocation, use both hands to create a secure but gentle cup around the bird's body, supporting the breast and legs while preventing wing flapping. Their bones are delicate and easily injured through rough handling or squeezing.

Chicks raised with regular human interaction from hatching tend to be significantly calmer than adult birds introduced to handling for the first time. Spending time sitting near the enclosure, talking softly, and hand-feeding treats helps build trust. Some Button Quail become quite tame, voluntarily approaching their keepers and even eating from hands, while others remain shy despite socialization efforts. Respect individual personality differences and avoid forcing interaction on birds that clearly find it stressful.

Daily care routines should be performed calmly and methodically to minimize stress. Enter the enclosure area quietly, avoiding sudden movements that trigger panic flights. Many keepers speak softly to their birds before approaching, giving them warning and time to move away from work areas. When catching birds for health inspections or transfers, corner them gently using both hands rather than chasing them around the enclosure, which causes excessive stress and risks injury.

Health monitoring should be incorporated into daily observation rather than requiring frequent handling. Watch for normal activity levels, healthy appetites, regular drinking, smooth movement without limping, bright eyes, clean nostrils, and well-groomed feathers. Any changes in behavior, appearance, or activity level warrant closer inspection. Weight monitoring can be accomplished by training birds to stand on a small scale for treats, avoiding the stress of repeated catching and handling.

When Button Quail must be caught and examined, do so efficiently and return them to their enclosure promptly. Extended handling sessions are stressful for most individuals. Inspect for signs of parasites, check foot pads for any developing bumblefoot lesions, ensure the abdomen feels normal without evidence of egg binding or other masses, and verify the vent appears clean and healthy. These quick health checks, performed monthly, catch most problems in early, treatable stages.

Button Quail are excellent birds for specific situations and keeper profiles but are not suitable for everyone. They excel as pets for hobbyists seeking beautiful, low-space-requirement birds that provide entertainment through natural behaviors rather than extensive interaction. Apartments, condominiums, and homes with small yards can easily accommodate Button Quail, making them among the few gamebirds suitable for urban living. Their minimal noise production and small enclosure requirements mean they rarely trouble neighbors or violate housing restrictions.

However, prospective keepers must verify local regulations before acquiring Button Quail. While they're not traditional farm animals, some jurisdictions classify all quail as agricultural animals subject to zoning restrictions. Check city or county ordinances, homeowner association rules, and rental agreements. Many areas that prohibit chickens or larger poultry still allow small caged birds like Button Quail, but verification is essential. Some regions require permits for keeping any gamebirds, even small ornamental species.

Button Quail are not production animals. Their eggs are too small for practical human consumption, and while technically edible, the effort required to gather and prepare them outweighs their culinary value. Similarly, their meat yields are negligible. These birds are kept for their beauty, behavioral interest, and the challenge of breeding interesting color mutations. Keepers seeking productive birds for eggs or meat should consider Coturnix Quail instead.

Families with young children can keep Button Quail successfully, but these are observation birds rather than hands-on pets. Children must be taught to appreciate the birds without constantly trying to catch or handle them. The small size makes Button Quail vulnerable to injury from rough handling, and their tendency to panic and flush when startled can frighten young children. Supervised interaction and emphasis on observation rather than handling works best in family settings.

The initial investment for Button Quail is relatively low compared to most poultry. Birds typically cost $5-15 each depending on color mutations and local availability. Enclosure setup costs vary based on size and complexity but can be accomplished for under $100 using simple materials. Ongoing costs for feed, bedding, and occasional veterinary care are minimal given the birds' small size and modest requirements. This affordability makes Button Quail accessible to beginning bird keepers and those on modest budgets.

For individuals interested in breeding and genetics, Button Quail offer an excellent introduction to aviculture. Their short generation time, relatively high egg production compared to body size, and variety of color mutations provide ample opportunities for selective breeding projects. Chicks hatch in just 16 days and reach maturity at 6-8 weeks, allowing breeders to see results of their programs quickly. The small space requirements mean multiple breeding projects can be maintained in modest quarters, though each breeding group needs its own enclosure.