Hi Michaela,

Thank you for reaching out. Your concern is valid, and it is good that you are being cautious.

A couple of days of exposure is generally less concerning than prolonged exposure. Quail can ingest lead particles, and lead can accumulate in their tissues and potentially be transferred to eggs, although eggs are generally considered a lower-risk pathway than organ meats.

The risk from consuming the eggs is likely low, but if you are uncomfortable eating them, I would recommend not consuming them. One batch of eggs is not worth taking a potential health risk, particularly if young children may be eating them.

The most practical way to determine whether there is a concern is to have the eggs tested for lead content. The MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory <personal data hidden>) can perform this type of testing. I recommend contacting the laboratory directly for information about sample submission requirements, testing procedures, and costs.

In the meantime, I would recommend:

- Cleaning up any visible dust or debris in the quail area.

- Replacing any feed and water that may have been contaminated.

- Monitoring the birds for potential signs of lead poisoning, such as lethargy, reduced egg production, weakness, or tremors.

- For future renovation work, keeping the birds completely separated from areas where lead-containing dust or debris may be generated.

I hope this helps, and best of luck!

Best,
Francine