Quail chicks resemble tiny baby chickens and newly hatched quail are about the size of bumblebees. They're covered in a golden tan down with black or dark brown stripes down the back.  They are a precocial bird which means they leavethe nest after hatching to follow the parents. They peck for food on their own. They need to be kept in warmer temperaturesthan other orphaned birds. Finely chopped hard boiled egg, alfalfa sprouts or broccoli florets (also finely chopped) are temporary foods. Quail will also peck at turkey or game bird starter from a feed store, and tiny mealworms. 

Do not handle the chick or let children play with it. It's extremely fragile and needs to be kept in safe, covered containment and on a heat source until taken to a rehabilitator. Quail rehabbers have incubators so the babies are kept warm and cozy.

Call Arizona Covey at 602-996-1934
to find the nearest quail rehabber by you.

Killdeer and Stilt chicks have long legs, and brown and white downy bodies. Like quail, they need extra warmth.

They also need extra calcium in their diet or they will develop bone problems. They can eat tiny mealworms or blood worms from a pet store. Similar in size and color, Stilts have a long, sharp beak and mottled colors.  Killdeer have shorter beaks and distinct markings.

Healthy killdeer chicks should be taken back to the location where they were found to see if the parents are still in the area. Cup the baby securely in your hands and let him call for the parents; if they are nearby, they will come up scolding and frantic to get the baby back.  

ONLY RELEASE THE BABY IF THE PARENTS ARE FRANTIC TO GET IT BACK....
if the adult birds don't show much or any interest, the baby needs to be taken to a rehabilitator. Other killdeer parents will often accept a chick that is not their own if they have other chicks the same size.

Call Arizona Covey at 602-996-1934
for more killdeer information.