Japanese quail are farmed at enormous scale for eggs and meat globally, but receive almost no attention in welfare research or policy frameworks despite significant welfare concerns.
Quail are among the most welfare-neglected farmed species. Their small size makes their housing even more cramped relative to natural behaviour than for chickens, yet they are largely absent from the welfare policy landscape. Quail are active, curious birds that naturally spend much of their time running, dust-bathing and foraging - all behaviours impossible in standard production systems. The combination of tiny cages, wire floors, high stocking density and beak trimming represents a profound welfare failure. Growing consumer interest in quail eggs creates an opportunity for welfare standards to accompany production expansion.