Written by Dyami Millarson

Today, I am excited to share some happy news from my little quail family: we have welcomed two new members! As I write this article, I can hear the soft peeping of our two new Japanese coturnix quail babies.

It is an exciting time filled with new beginnings, and I could not be happier to welcome these adorable little babies — or Puppen as they say in Sagelterland Frisian — into our home.

Raising quail became a passion of mine after the passing of my lucky yellow bird who will always remain in my memory; raising quail is a hobby that brings me endless joy and satisfaction.

Watching tiny animals grow and develop is a constant reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world. And with the arrival of two new quail babies, that sense of wonder and amazement is only amplified.

The first baby quail that hatched has a beautiful golden colour, with soft and fluffy feathers that are characteristic of the celadon breed of the Japanese coturnix quail. I named this little one Dai, after the Sagelterland Frisian word for Day.

Dai Day may sound like ‘die’ to Modern English ears, but it was not like that in Old English, because actually the pronunciation of Sagelterland Frisian Dai Day is extremely close to that of Old English dæġ day yet clearly distinct from the Old English dīeġan die.

I discovered Dai Day in the early morning when it was still dark. I believe that Dai Day must have been born at night. Dai Day is already displaying a lively personality, peeping and exploring its surroundings with endless curiosity. But the excitement did not end there: around 1 o’clock in the afternoon, a second baby quail emerged from its shell. This one has a stunning black color, with sleek and shiny feathers that catch the light in the most beautiful way.

I named the black-feathered quail baby Noacht, after the Sagelterland Frisian word for Night. As fate would have it, Dai Day was born at night, whilst Noacht Night during the day.

Watching these two little quail babies side by side is a reminder of the incredible diversity of life, and how even within a single species, each individual can be so unique and special.

In a world that can often feel overwhelming and chaotic, it is moments like these that remind us of the simple joys that life has to offer. The arrival of Dai Day and its black-feathered sibling Noacht Night is a reason to celebrate, to pause and appreciate the beauty of new life. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their journey, to watch them grow and develop into the full-grown quail they will become.

Welcome to the world, Dai Day and Noacht Night. We are so glad you are here.