The aim of this study was to evaluate the indicators of the behavioural and physiological welfare of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) as possible responses to the enrichment of the birds’ habitat. The study sample consisted of 280 Japanese quails (224 ♀ and 56 ♂, respectively). Birds of 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into seven equally sized groups and then divided into replication subgroups (four per group, 10 birds in each replication). Birds were maintained in 0.5 m2 cages with unrestricted access to water and food. The experimental factor was the presence or absence of enrichment of the birds’ cages: the nest box, scratcher, plastic corrugated pipe (tunnel), limestone cubes, sandbathing box and feeder box with a drilled cover. Quails were subjected to behavioural tests (tonic immobility and open field tests) and, after 6 weeks, blood samples were taken from them to determine their biochemical indices as well as their cortisol and corticosterone levels. An additional element was the assessment of fertility indices. The presence of enrichment was shown to reduce behavioural disturbances in Japanese quails. This study also found that the colour and shape of an object were very important regarding the birds’ interest in it. Additionally, individuals kept in enriched cages, who were allowed to exhibit their natural behavioural patterns, had lower stress levels.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production parameters and eggs quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) as a possible response to the enrichment of the birds' living environment. The study material consisted of 280 individually marked Japanese quails (56♂:224♀). Birds at 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into 7 equal-sized groups with replication subgroups (4 per group, 10 birds in each replication). Birds were maintained in 0.5 m2 cages with unlimited access to water and feed. The differentiating factor was the presence or absence of enrichment in the birds' cages. The following groups were used: 1 – control (reared without any enrichment), 2 - nest box, 3 - scratching surface, 4 - corrugated flexible tube (tunnel), 5 - limestone cubes, 6 - sand bath box, 7 - drilled feed box. Bird liveability and productivity indices (laying rate, egg weight, body weight of birds) were recorded throughout the experiment. After 6 weeks of the experiment, 24 eggs were randomly collected from each group for qualitative analysis. It was shown that the presence of an enriched environment positively influences the production parameters and the quality of eggs obtained from Japanese quails compared to birds kept under standard environmental conditions.