Desert Game Birds
Ostrich & Quail from the Nevada Desert
From the high desert of Nevada — premium ostrich eggs, live quail, and hatching eggs. Sustainable. Traceable. Extraordinary.
What We Offer
Every egg collected fresh. Every bird raised with care under Nevada's open desert sky.
One ostrich egg equals 24 chicken eggs. Rich, golden yolk. Perfect for large gatherings, specialty baking, or a truly unforgettable brunch.
$50 per eggBulk pricing available
Premium fertilized eggs from our proven breeding stock. Start your own flock or expand existing operations. Each egg comes with documentation.
$200 per eggBulk pricing available
Nevada-raised Coturnix (Japanese) quail. Ideal for eggs, meat, or backyard flocks. Available as day-old hatchlings or fully grown adults (6 weeks).
Bulk pricing available
Fresh eating eggs — a gourmet delicacy packed with nutrition. High in protein, iron, and B vitamins. Beloved by chefs, athletes, and health-conscious households.
$10 / 24 eggsBulk pricing available
Butchered and dressed half ostrich — an extraordinary amount of lean, red-colored poultry meat. Ideal for families, meal preppers, and anyone exploring ostrich as a red meat alternative.
Call for Pricing per half birdBulk pricing available
A whole butchered ostrich — hundreds of pounds of premium poultry meat in a single purchase. Perfect for restaurants, hunters, large households, and serious homesteaders stocking a deep freeze.
Call for Pricing per full birdBulk pricing available
If you have Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) or a mammalian meat allergy, ostrich is widely considered safe. Here's why that matters.
Ostrich is classified as poultry
Despite being a red meat in appearance and nutrition, ostriches are birds — not mammals. The FDA and USDA classify ostrich under poultry.
No alpha-gal sugar molecule
Alpha-Gal Syndrome is triggered by the alpha-gal carbohydrate found in mammalian meat (beef, pork, lamb). Birds — including ostrich — do not contain this molecule.
Get your red meat experience back
Ostrich tastes and cooks like premium beef. For those who miss the experience of red meat, ostrich is the closest alternative available.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome & Red Meat Allergy
Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with Alpha-Gal Syndrome — many more are undiagnosed. For them, ostrich is a revelation: the satisfaction of red meat without the reaction.
The CDC estimates hundreds of thousands of Americans have Alpha-Gal Syndrome, with many more undiagnosed due to its unusual presentation.
Because ostriches are birds, not mammals, they contain zero alpha-gal sugar — the molecule responsible for triggering mammalian meat allergies.
Ostrich meat is leaner than skinless chicken while tasting like a high-end beef filet. You sacrifice nothing — you gain everything.
While ostrich is widely considered safe for those with AGS, individual reactions vary. Always work with your allergist or physician before introducing new proteins.
The Remarkable Ostrich
The world's largest bird is also one of the most nutritionally powerful and environmentally efficient sources of protein on earth.
Ostrich meat contains 22–24g of protein per 100g, outperforming beef (19–22g) and chicken. The protein is also more digestible because ostrich is not a mammal, so its proteins are structured differently from beef.
Ostrich contains just 3g of fat per 100g compared to 10–15g in beef. The fat it does contain is primarily unsaturated — the beneficial kind that improves blood cholesterol rather than raising it.
Only ~10% of your daily recommended saturated fat per serving, versus over 35% for the same serving of beef. Ostrich is ideal for anyone managing cardiovascular health, cholesterol, or simply eating cleaner.
A single serving of ostrich delivers 260% of your daily B12 value, supporting red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and neurological health. It's also rich in selenium (68% DV), zinc (44% DV), and iron (35% DV).
Ostrich's omega-3:6 ratio of 3.02 is dramatically better than beef (8.86) or chicken (7.67). A diet too high in omega-6 promotes inflammation — ostrich actively helps restore balance.
Ostrich is not gamey. It is consistently described as tasting like a high-quality beef tenderloin — versatile, mild, and satisfying. It can replace beef in virtually any recipe from burgers to roasts to tartare.
A single ostrich hen can lay eggs productively for up to 30 years — generating decades of income from one animal. Compare this to cattle, which produce one calf per year for a fraction of that span.
The American Ostrich Association confirms each hen produces 40–60 eggs annually. Some crossbreeds average 70+ eggs. At $40–$60 per eating egg, a single productive hen generates $2,000–$3,600 in egg sales per year alone.
Ostrich originate from the arid climates of Africa. Nevada's high desert — with its wide open spaces, dry heat, and native grasses — is an ideal natural environment. Our birds thrive where other livestock struggle.
Ostrich reach market weight in approximately 400 days — compared to 650 days for beef cattle. Faster turnover, better cash flow, and 52% of body weight is harvestable meat versus only 41% for cattle.
52% of an ostrich's body weight is available for consumption — significantly higher than the 41% yield from cattle. At 14 months, one bird produces 75–130 lbs of lean meat, plus leather, feathers, and oil.
Beyond meat and eggs, ostrich provides world-class leather (distinctive quill pattern), feathers, and fat rendered into moisturizing oils used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Virtually zero waste.
A single ostrich egg weighs up to 4 pounds and measures 6 inches in diameter. It is the largest egg produced by any living bird on earth — and one of the most nutritionally dense.
One ostrich egg provides the same volume as two dozen chicken eggs. A single egg can feed a crowd. The yolk-to-white ratio differs from chicken eggs, producing richer, more golden results in baking and cooking.
Our fertile hatching eggs come from proven breeding stock — birds with verified lineage, strong hatch rates, and desirable traits. Each egg is carefully candled, dated, and packaged. Ideal for starting or expanding your operation.
Ostrich eggs incubate for 42–46 days at specific temperature and humidity conditions. We advise buyers on incubation best practices to maximize hatch success rates from our fertile eggs.
Ostrich eggs have a richer, slightly creamier flavor than chicken eggs. Chefs prize them for specialty omelets, quiches, and baked goods. One egg makes a stunning centerpiece for farm-to-table dining experiences.
Ostrich eggshells are extraordinarily strong — a full-grown person can stand on one without breaking it. The inner membrane of the shell is rich in collagen, hyaluronic acid, and over 500 proteins harvested by pharmaceutical companies for joint health and skincare applications.
Ostriches require only one-third the freshwater needed to raise beef cattle to the same weight. In Nevada's arid high desert, this is not just sustainable — it's a competitive advantage.
Ostriches require just 1/50th of the land needed to produce comparable beef. Dense stocking on relatively small acreage is possible with proper management — an efficient use of Nevada's landscape.
Unlike ruminants such as cattle, ostriches do not produce methane through enteric fermentation. A 2025 peer-reviewed study confirmed ostriches produce significantly less greenhouse gas per kilogram of protein than beef.
Ostriches evolved in Africa's harshest environments. They are resilient, disease-resistant, and require minimal veterinary intervention compared to conventional livestock. Nevada's climate mirrors their native range closely.
Meat, eggs, leather, feathers, oil, bones, and organ products all have market value. The eggshell membrane is sold to nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturers. This is circular agriculture at its finest.
Ostriches have a high feed conversion rate, extracting more nutritional value from forage. Native grasses, irrigated alfalfa, and hydroponic fodder systems all work well — reducing dependency on expensive commercial feeds.
The Mighty Quail
Don't be fooled by their size. Quail are among the most productive, profitable, and delightful birds you can raise — or simply enjoy on your plate.
Coturnix quail begin laying at just 6–8 weeks of age and can produce 300 or more eggs annually. No other bird matches this rate of return so quickly.
Coturnix reach butcher weight in just 6 weeks — the fastest of any commercially raised bird. For meat birds, this means rapid, reliable turnover.
Quail eggs are a culinary delicacy prized by restaurants and chefs. They contain 3–4× more iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins per gram than chicken eggs, in a stunning speckled shell.
Coturnix reach butcher weight in just 6 weeks and are ready to lay eggs shortly after. Whether you want a steady supply of meat birds or a self-sustaining laying flock, Coturnix are the most efficient quail you can raise.
Quail are quiet (no rooster crowing), compact, and legal in most municipalities where chickens are prohibited. Many suburban and urban homesteaders keep quail for a steady supply of eggs with minimal space and noise.
Quail meat is leaner than chicken, high in protein, and contains significant amounts of iron, B12, and niacin. Quail eggs, despite being tiny, pack an outsized nutritional punch — long valued in Asian and European cuisine for wellness.
Quail eggs contain dramatically higher concentrations of iron and phosphorus per gram than standard chicken eggs — essential for energy, oxygen transport, and bone health.
Five times the potassium of chicken eggs. Potassium is critical for heart function, muscle contraction, and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Significantly higher levels of riboflavin (B2) and vitamin B12 per gram compared to chicken eggs — supporting energy metabolism and neurological health.
Despite being tiny, each quail egg is 13% protein — the same percentage as chicken eggs, but in a concentrated, nutrient-dense package beloved by nutritionists and athletes.
Quail Eggs — $10 / 24 Eggs · Bulk Pricing Available
Quail eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense whole foods available — gram for gram, they outperform chicken eggs across nearly every key nutrient. If you're looking for a high-protein, low-calorie food that also supports gut health when fermented, quail eggs belong in your kitchen.
Same protein percentage as a chicken egg — but in a smaller, more concentrated package. Three quail eggs equal roughly one large chicken egg in volume.
Iron supports oxygen transport, energy levels, and immune function. Quail eggs are one of the highest whole-food sources of iron per gram — critical for athletes and those with anemia.
Five times the potassium of a chicken egg. Potassium regulates blood pressure, supports muscle recovery, and balances electrolytes — making quail eggs ideal for active people.
Significantly more B12 and riboflavin per gram than chicken eggs. These vitamins support brain function, nerve health, red blood cell formation, and energy metabolism.
Each quail egg is only about 14 calories. You get a full hit of complete protein — all nine essential amino acids — with a fraction of the caloric load of larger protein sources.
Like all eggs, quail eggs contain all nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. This makes them a complete, bioavailable protein source — comparable to meat and dairy.
Fermented Foods + Protein
Fermented quail eggs are one of the most powerful combinations of protein and probiotics available in a single whole food. The fermentation process — typically in a simple brine of vinegar, salt, and spices — does not reduce the protein content. It enhances bioavailability, adds beneficial bacteria, and gives the eggs a tangy, satisfying flavor that keeps in the refrigerator for weeks.
People searching for ways to combine high-protein foods with fermented foods often land on quail eggs as the answer. They're small enough to ferment whole — no cutting, no prep — and a jar of a dozen eggs ferments in as little as 3–5 days.
For anyone managing gut health alongside fitness goals, building a DIY food pantry, or simply exploring nutrient-dense alternatives to processed protein products, fermented quail eggs are a practical, affordable, and deeply satisfying solution.
Fermented quail eggs deliver live cultures that support gut microbiome diversity alongside 13% complete protein. Most fermented foods — kimchi, yogurt, kefir — provide probiotics but little protein. Quail eggs do both.
Whether you're reducing red meat for health, cost, or environmental reasons, quail eggs offer complete protein with far less saturated fat than beef. 24 quail eggs for $10 provides roughly 36–40g of complete protein — cheaper per gram than most protein bars.
Fermenting quail eggs at home requires nothing more than a mason jar, vinegar or brine, and 3–5 days. They store for 1–2 months refrigerated. A flat of eggs from Desert Game Birds gives you a shelf-stable, protein-rich fermented food supply with zero equipment and almost no effort.
Yes. Quail eggs are a complete protein source containing all nine essential amino acids. 24 quail eggs for $10 provides roughly 36–40g of complete protein — comparable in value to chicken breast, with the added benefit of higher iron, B12, and potassium content.
Hard-boil and peel your quail eggs, then place them in a sterilized mason jar with a brine of white or apple cider vinegar, water, salt, garlic, and your choice of spices. Seal and refrigerate for 3–5 days minimum. The result is a tangy, probiotic-rich, high-protein snack that keeps for up to two months.
Yes — fermentation does not destroy protein. The amino acid profile remains intact. What fermentation adds is beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and improved digestibility. Fermented quail eggs are one of the few whole foods that simultaneously deliver complete protein and live probiotic cultures.
Gram for gram, yes — quail eggs contain 3–4× more iron, 5× more potassium, and higher levels of B12 and riboflavin than chicken eggs. They have the same protein percentage (13%) but in a more micronutrient-dense form. They're also lower in calories per egg, making them easy to eat in quantity.
Absolutely. Quail eggs are ideal for high-protein, low-calorie eating plans. At ~14 calories per egg with complete protein and a dense micronutrient profile, they work well for athletes, keto or carnivore diets, and anyone optimizing protein intake without heavy reliance on meat or protein powder.
Desert Game Birds raises Coturnix quail in Nevada's high desert and sells fresh quail eggs for $5 per dozen. Contact us directly to place an order — we sell farm-direct with no middleman, so your eggs are as fresh as it gets. Local pickup and shipping options available.
Why Desert Game Birds
Nevada's arid high desert mirrors the native habitat of ostrich perfectly. Our birds live and thrive in the environment they were built for — stress-free, robust, and healthy.
We know every bird and every egg on our property. No intermediaries. When you buy from us, you know exactly where your food came from and how it was raised.
Ostrich use 1/3 the water of beef cattle and 1/50th the land. Our quail operations are equally lean. We're proving that desert farming can feed people beautifully.
Ostrich eggs and quail eggs are packed with extraordinary care. We've shipped thousands of eggs with an exceptional safety record. Fragile cargo is our specialty.
Have questions about incubation, AGS-safe diets, hunting stocking, or setting up your own flock? We've been asked them all. We're here to help — not just sell.
No distributors. No markups. No mystery. You're buying directly from the people who raise these animals — which means fresher product and better value for you.
What Customers Say
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I was diagnosed with Alpha-Gal Syndrome two years ago and thought I'd never enjoy red meat again. Ostrich changed everything. It tastes incredible and I have zero reaction. Desert Game Birds got me my life back.
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We ordered Coturnix quail from Desert Game Birds and couldn't be happier. The birds arrived healthy and strong, and our egg production was up and running within weeks. Already placed our order for next year.
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The ostrich egg was a showstopper at our farm-to-table dinner. One egg fed twelve people. The flavor was incredible — richer than chicken but clean and light. Our guests are still talking about it.
Get in Touch
Ready to order? Have questions about AGS and ostrich? Want to start your own flock? The fastest way to reach us is a call or text.
Prefer to Text?
We respond to texts fast. Ask us anything — pricing, availability, egg info, quail breeds. Just text (702) 415-8593 and we'll get right back to you.
Location
High Desert, Nevada
(Exact address provided upon inquiry)
Call or Text
Hours
Mon–Sat: 8am – 6pm PT
Sunday: By appointment
Our online form is on its way. Until then, the fastest way to reach us is a call or text — we're real people who pick up.
📱 Call or Text (702) 415-8593 ✉️ matt@desertgamebirds.com