How long do California Quail take to hatch?

[lhamid]

I stumbled upon a California Quail nest with 12 eggs in our field. The hen flew away and has not returned to est. I am watching for her, but with all the predators around here it is unlikely the clutch will survive. I see other hens that nest in protected areas, this one is right out in the open. If she doesn't return I am going to gather the eggs and put them in my Sportsman and try to hatch them. I plan to release them if I can raise them. We just had the field mowed on Friday so she probably laid them between Sat. and today (tuesday).  I know about Coturnix (17 days) but how long do California Quail take to hatch?  About the same?

[faro]

Hi Linda,
Valley Quail will hatch in 23 days......Good Luck

[lhamid]

23 days!  Really!  They are smaller than Coturnix, I thought they'd take the same time or LESS!  Thanks very much faro.  I gathered the eggs last night, she never came back and I am sure they would not have been there this morning. I put 5 of my smallest Coturnix eggs in her nest in case she does come back, will check when I get home from work.