Japanese quail are farmed in large numbers for eggs and meat globally, but welfare standards for this species are poorly developed compared to chickens.
Quail welfare in commercial production is a significant blind spot in farmed animal welfare policy. Despite being farmed in very large numbers globally, quail are often excluded from species-specific welfare regulations. Their fast growth and small size create temptation to keep them in very high densities that cause chronic stress and injurious pecking. The species shows strong circadian responses to light, and inadequate light management causes disorientation and aggression. Welfare standards for quail deserve the same attention as those for chickens, with species-specific housing, stocking density, and environmental enrichment requirements.