Wilma would spend hours walking on my desk or sitting on top of my monitor, enjoying the warmth and eventually falling asleep. Her and my dog Kai, spent time on the screen porch basking in the sun and sharing time in the cool breeze. Kai always enjoyed Willmas company and seemed to be protective of her, although sometimes she startled him when she would scratch his fur to make a sleeping spot.

Below, you can see the two of them sitting in the front window, Kai in his bed and Wilma on the window sill. She looks like she's whispering in his ear like they are plotting some mischief. Willma would spend time walking around my keyboard chirping softly to be petted and get attention, and then go to a spot and take a nap. Button quails don't get very large, Wilma was full grown, raised from an egg, and learned to come when called (knowing there was probably a treat involved) and would follow me around the house. She enjoyed my company as much as I did hers, and she would sit on my chest and watch TV when I would rest. She was like a crumb vacuum cleaner, and always liked pieces of lettuce or the occasional mealworm or cricket as a treat.

An unusual pet, but always was making me laugh with her antics and the things that her and Kai would get into. I had raised quite a few quails over a period of about 4 years, but none had been quite the same as Wilma and Fred.

If you have any comments or questions regarding raising or caring for Australian Button Quails, email me at: matrixsnakes@comcast.net