If you’ve ever watched quail scratch and peck around, you know they enjoy exploring. The right plants can turn a plain coop into a natural, enriching space. In this article, we’ll share 26 plants your quail will love.
Table of Contents
For Shade & Cover
If you’re after shade and cover, pick plants with dense leaves and safe spots for birds to hide. These help shield your quail from sun, rain, and the occasional predator.
Comfrey
Comfrey’s a real workhorse in the coop. Its big leaves offer great shade, and it’s not picky about soil. Plus, it brings in helpful insects, which is a bonus for the whole mini-ecosystem.
Quail can nibble the leaves for nutrients, but moderation is key. Plant comfrey where it gets some sun and it’ll keep your birds comfy and covered.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers tower over the coop, throwing shade and dropping seeds for quail snacks. They love sunny, well-drained spots, and their big flowers make the place pop.
The sturdy stalks form a sort of living fence, offering protection. Sunflowers don’t need much fussing over, so they’re great if you’re just starting out.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear is all about those soft, silvery leaves. It’s drought-hardy and grows into a thick mat, perfect for shade and hiding spots. The texture and color are a nice visual bonus.
Once it’s settled in, Lamb’s Ear is pretty much hands-off. It’s a solid pick for anyone who’d rather not spend hours on plant care.
Bamboo (Non-Invasive Clumping Types)
Clumping bamboo (not the runaway kind!) is fantastic for thick, tall cover. It grows fast, looks lush, and brings a bit of a tropical vibe to the coop. Stick to clumping types unless you want bamboo everywhere.
It’s drought-resistant and low-maintenance. Quail love weaving through the canes, and bamboo acts as a windbreak when the weather turns rough.
Willow
Willow trees or shrubs bring flexible branches and loads of shade. They like moist soil and grow quickly, so you get cover in a hurry. The leafy canopy is great for keeping sun and rain at bay.
Trim them to fit your coop’s size. Willows are a classic for natural shelter—quail seem to feel safe under their branches.
For Foraging & Nutrition
For foraging and nutrition, some plants are just better. Dandelion and Chickweed, for example, are loaded with nutrients and easy for quail to snack on throughout the day.
Dandelion
Dandelions are a foraging favorite. Every part is edible, and they’re packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Plant them in sunny, well-drained spots and they’ll take off. Quail love both the leaves and flowers, and the calcium and potassium are good for their bones. The bright flowers are easy targets for hungry birds.
Chickweed
Chickweed’s a small but mighty plant, full of vitamins C and B-complex. It helps with digestion and immunity, and quail go for the little white flowers. It does well in cooler, shady spots and spreads with almost no effort. Plus, it’s safe and tasty—a nice treat for your flock.
Clover (Red Or White)
Clover, red or white, is a staple for quail. It’s high in protein and has a mild, fresh taste. Red clover’s a bit sweeter, but both types offer minerals like calcium for strong eggshells. Clover grows just about anywhere and doesn’t need a lot of attention. The thick leaves provide ground cover, and the blooms brighten up the coop.
Plantain (Broadleaf)
Broadleaf plantain is a tough, perennial option. It can handle sun or shade and is loaded with vitamins A and C. The fibrous leaves are easy for quail to eat, and the plant helps with digestion and inflammation. It’s simple to get started and keeps growing reliably. Quail seem to enjoy both the taste and the comfort it brings to their space.
Nasturtium
Nasturtium adds color and a peppery flavor that quail seem to like. The flowers are bright and eye-catching, and everything’s edible. Vitamin C levels are high, so it’s a healthy option. Nasturtium grows quickly in sunny, well-drained spots, and helps keep pests away. It’s a win for both beauty and nutrition.
For Pest Control & Coop Freshness
Certain plants can help keep pests down and the coop smelling fresh. The right choices can repel bugs, add nice scents, and just make the place a bit more pleasant for everyone.
Lavender
Lavender’s a favorite for its strong scent, which keeps flies and mosquitoes away. Pots of lavender around the coop bring extra benefits, like a calming aroma for the birds. You can dry sprigs to use inside, too. It’s easy to grow and doesn’t mind a bit of drought—just make sure the soil drains well.
Mint (In Containers)
Mint is a powerhouse for pest control—flies, ants, even mice aren’t fans. But it spreads like crazy, so stick it in containers. Put the pots near entrances or inside the coop. It grows in sun or shade and just needs regular trimming and watering. The fresh leaves smell great and can be dried for later use.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a zesty scent that chases away bugs like mosquitoes and gnats. It’s also known for its calming effect, which can help keep quail relaxed. Lemon balm grows easily, but it can take over, so containers work best. Prune it back as needed and use the fresh leaves in the coop for a boost of freshness.
Wormwood (In Moderation)
Wormwood is potent stuff—it deters insects and rodents, but you’ll want to use it sparingly. Plant it around the outside of the coop, not inside, and keep an eye on it. It likes full sun and dry soil. Don’t overdo it, since too much isn’t good for quail. Once it’s going, wormwood doesn’t need much attention.
Rosemary
Rosemary’s robust aroma keeps bugs at bay and freshens up the coop. Plant it nearby or tuck sprigs in the nesting areas. It thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and handles drought pretty well. Prune it often to keep it bushy and manageable. The woody stems add a nice touch to nests, too.
Safe Flowers For Beauty & Enrichment
Adding flowers to your quail coop isn’t just about looks—it gives the birds something new to explore and peck at. Here are some safe options that liven up the space:
Calendula
Calendula brings a pop of orange and yellow. The petals are edible and mild, so quail can snack without worry. Calendula handles different soils and likes sun or partial shade. The flowers even have a bit of antiseptic quality, which might help keep things a tad cleaner.
Marigolds
Marigolds add bold color and naturally help with pest control. The petals are safe for quail, and the plants don’t need much care—just plenty of sun. Their scent helps keep bugs away, and they brighten up any corner of the coop.
Violas (Johnny Jump-Ups)
Violas, or Johnny Jump-Ups, are small but lively. They’re safe and edible, and their little faces bring some cheer. They do well in cooler spots and can handle some shade. Even if your coop doesn’t get much sun, violas usually manage just fine.
Borage
Borage stands out with blue, star-shaped flowers and fuzzy leaves. Both are edible and safe for quail to explore. Borage attracts helpful insects and adds variety for foraging. It’s a quirky addition that fits right in with a natural setup.
Chamomile
Chamomile is all about the tiny, daisy-like flowers and gentle scent. It’s safe for quail to nibble and can bring a bit of calm to the coop. Chamomile likes sun and drains well, and its soothing properties might help keep everyone a little less stressed.
Other Useful Plants
Some plants don’t fit neatly into one category but still bring plenty to the table—better nutrition, more foraging options, and a healthier coop overall.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa’s a protein-rich legume that’s great for quail growth and feather quality. With deep roots, it handles drought well and suits a range of climates.
The flowers attract helpful bugs, and quail enjoy pecking at the leaves. Give it a trim now and then to keep it growing fresh shoots for your birds.
Oregano
Oregano’s got natural antimicrobial properties, which can help keep your quail healthier. The scent also helps with some pests, making the coop a bit more sanitary.
It grows well in pots or straight in the ground. Quail might nibble the leaves, and it adds some variety to their diet. Oregano could even cut down on the need for antibiotics, though results can vary.
Fennel
Fennel brings both nutrition and aroma. The seeds are antioxidant-rich and the feathery leaves offer cover for curious quail. Fennel’s scent can help with pest control, too. It adapts to different conditions, so it’s not a fussy addition to the coop.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm is eye-catching and brings in pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is good for the local ecosystem. Its dense leaves give quail shelter, and the edible flowers add color and interest to their diet. It’s easygoing and likes sunny spots.
Thyme
Thyme is a sturdy herb that helps keep pathogens in check and smells great. It doesn’t take up much space or effort, so it’s perfect for smaller coops. Quail will peck at the leaves, and thyme’s tough enough to handle most weather.
Strawberries (In Hanging Planters)
Strawberries in hanging planters save ground space and offer a sweet treat. The fruit is vitamin-rich, but keeping them up high prevents overindulgence. Hanging planters also free up room for other plants and activities. The red berries add a splash of color and keep the birds mentally engaged as they forage.
