On the eve of the Del Norte Fair, young folks from the different livestock categories prepare their animals for the public. Sheep, goats, pigs and hogs, steer, chicken and roosters and now quail, will strut their stuff, this week-end at the 130th Del Norte County Fair.
Del Norte High graduate Shaelyn Toreson, 17 will submit about a dozen Corturnix quail and at least one Bob White breed quail for judges review. Fair general manager cannot recall the at least 50 years since the quail category was utilized
Shaelyn has raised quail for about two years through the Del Norte Grange. While raising rats, someone gave Shalyn a cage and an idea to include quail in her livestock hobby interests.
Shaelyn praises the quail eggs she raises and claims quail eggs are healthier and more delicious than chicken eggs. “ Quail eggs are the new chickens,” she touts. Shaelyn says quail lifespans between five-eight years, are easy to raise, eat just about anything and provide great friendship and companionship. Shaelyn, who plans a career in Livestock, loves and cares for these creatures but has a particular fondness for Ranger, a Bob White breed quail, who was born with a defective leg.
For more information of Shaelyn's quail collection, check her Facebook site, Heartwood Quaillery.
Shaelyn's entry can be viewed throughout the 2023 Fair, August 3-6.