Codorniz China
A ground-walker on the cage floor. Can share an aviary with finches (it occupies the floor, so there is no competition).
Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA
Mizuu editorial teamupdated on October 14, 2026Not yet reviewed by a vet. Are you a vet? Review itReport an error
Ideal for
- Families with time for daily interaction
- Spacious flats (large birds require a room)
- Anyone accepting a decades-long commitment (parrots live a long time)
Reconsider if
- ×Homes without time to socialise
- ×Anyone who cannot tolerate noise (all parrots vocalise)
- ×Flats without space to fly
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Is the Codorniz China a good match for you?
Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
Estimated cost of ownership
15-30 €/month
Quail feed and millet: 6-10 €/month. Vegetables, grit and calcium: 2-4 €/month. Substrate and frequent floor cleaning: 3-6 €/month. Prorated avian vet: 3-6 €/month.
History and origin
Native to Asia. A ground-walker on the cage floor.
Temperament and character
Intelligence varies by species. Parrots form strong bonds with their humans. They need daily mental stimulation · NOT just a cage.
Living together
Children: depends on the species + individual temperament. **Other birds:** better in a pair/group (except for territorial species). **Larger pets:** avoid — a real risk of predation.
Life stages of the Codorniz China
Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 3-5 años.
Chick
0-3 weeks
Precocial nidifuge; warmth in a brooder and high-protein starter crumb.
Juvenile
3-8 weeks
Rapid feathering; dimorphism (chestnut breast in the male) and early maturity.
Adult
2 months-3 years
Lives on the aviary floor; a soft-ceilinged cage due to sudden vertical leaps.
Senior
3-5 years
Cessation of laying; watch for prolapse, legs and head injuries.
Care
Cage: at least twice the size of the bird with its wings spread. A dedicated room is better.
Feeding: SEEDS are NOT a complete diet. A combination of pellets + fresh fruit/vegetables daily.
Free flight: at least 1-2 hours/day outside the cage in a safe area.
Vet: an avian specialist vet (exotics vet). Annual tests.
Care in detail
Nutrition
Quail/gallinaceous feed (higher protein than canary feed) plus millet, chopped vegetables, grit/oyster shell for calcium (especially laying hens) and occasional animal protein.
Grooming
It does not preen itself; it needs a dry sand bath to maintain its plumage and control parasites. Frequent cleaning of the floor substrate.
Training
Not trainable. Handling is minimal: they are nervous and, when startled, leap upwards; a low or soft ceiling and calm movements are advisable.
Exercise
It lives on the ground: it needs a large horizontal surface with hiding places; it does not climb or fly like a budgerigar. It can share an aviary, occupying the floor.
Breed-specific health
Aspergillosis (fungi), psittacosis (chlamydiosis), feather problems due to stress/deficiencies. Life expectancy 3-5 years with proper care. Before adopting a large parrot, consider that you will live with it throughout your adult life.
Health predispositions for this breed
Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.
Common diseases in birds
Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Screening and prevention for the Codorniz China
Recommended tests and screenings
- Avian veterinary examination
- Faecal examination for coccidia and nematodes
- Monitoring for ulcerative enteritis (intestinal ulcers)
- Examination of the legs and plumage for external mites
Prevention
Soft flooring and safe substrate, a low or padded ceiling to prevent injuries when startled (they leap vertically), an appropriate diet, hygiene and a sand bath for parasites.
Check-up schedule
Regular avian check-up; in heavily laying hens, watch for egg retention and wear from laying.
Warning signs
- !Wounds or blood on the head (hitting the ceiling)
- !A swollen hen that is not laying (egg retention)
- !Ruffled feathers and lethargy
- !Diarrhoea (coccidiosis)
- !Lameness or scabs on the legs
Codorniz China gallery
Frequently asked questions about the Codorniz China
How long does a Codorniz China live?
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How much does a Codorniz China weigh?
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Where does the Codorniz China breed come from?
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How much exercise does a Codorniz China need?
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Is the Codorniz China good with children?
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Who is the Codorniz China NOT recommended for?
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What health problems does the Codorniz China have?
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Why does it need a low or padded ceiling?
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Can it live with finches or canaries?
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Does it lay many eggs?
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Can you pick it up and stroke it?
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Is it very noisy?
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Learn more about birds
Practical veterinary guides to support your Codorniz China.
Sources and references
Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.
- WikipediaKing quail / painted quail (Synoicus chinensis) ↗
- BirdLife InternationalBirdLife International ↗
Want to adopt a codorniz china?
There are codorniz chinas in rescue shelters looking for a family. Filter by breed in the catalogue.
