Farming is a business that brings big income, if you organize it correctly and clearly define the type of animals or birds that you will grow. Some farmers prefer to breed unusual birds, such as guinea fowl, which are popular among poultry farmers today. The meat of this bird is considered dietary, and the eggs have a peculiar taste and increased nutritional value.
Breeding guinea fowl is not easy enough. Their content is very different from the content of chickens, geese, turkeys or other poultry and therefore requires a lot of effort, and most importantly - knowledge. Birds require a certain diet and maintenance of the desired temperature range in the room where they will live. That is why few people dare to engage in guinea fowl, which makes the profit from their breeding large.
It is very important that the farm is as adapted as possible to breeding birds. One of the main aspects is the correct formation of the parent stock. It is on this that the success of breeding this bird depends. Each herd must contain 1 male and a maximum of 5 females.
This sex ratio gives the highest percentage of fertilization and, as a result, obtaining a large number of eggs for incubation or sale.
In order for the parent flock to be properly formed, each poultry farmer, before deciding to breed guinea fowl, must learn to distinguish the female from the male. There are certain criteria by which you can accurately determine the gender of this poultry.
Differences in the physiological structure
All newborn guinea fowls look exactly the same: fluffy chicks have a light brown color, and their weight does not exceed 30 grams, therefore, it is possible to distinguish a female guinea fowl from a male only by the genitals. To do this, you need to examine the cloaca in order to detect primary sexual characteristics. Male guinea fowl have a male genital organ, a penis, it is underdeveloped and looks like a small tubercle.
Before proceeding with the inspection, the bird should be calmed by picking it up.
Remember that contact with a person is a big stress for her.
To determine the sex of a newborn guinea fowl, you need to perform the following necessary manipulations:
- put the chicken on the palm of your hand so that you can clearly see the area of \u200b\u200bthe cloaca, while holding the baby firmly, but very carefully;
- stroking the back of the bird, lightly press on the lower abdomen, when pressed, the cloaca turns out and can be clearly seen;
- examine the inside of the cloaca and if you see the presence of a tubercle, then you have a male in front of you;
- if the cloaca of the chick is presented in the form of a smooth surface, then you have a female in your hands.
It is worth noting that these manipulations with the chicken, especially when it is very small, must be done very carefully and carefully so as not to harm the health of the little chick. Sterility during such a procedure also does not hurt. It is very important not to accidentally damage the cloaca and not bring a fatal infection into it. Therefore, the examination should be carried out exclusively in clean medical gloves and, best of all, with an assistant.
This research method can be applied to older individuals. For example, when a guinea fowl is already about 6 months old, you can quickly and accurately determine its gender.
The difference in appearance
There is another option that will help you find out the gender of the guinea fowl. To do this, compare the appearance of birds and determine the differences between the female and male.
- Bird size. Usually the female guinea fowl is much larger than the male. The length of her body reaches 45 centimeters, and the height is 50 centimeters. The weight of the female by 5 months can reach 1 kilogram. The size of the male is somewhat smaller - its body length does not exceed 40 centimeters, and its height does not exceed 50 centimeters. As for weight, at 5 months the male weighs no more than 0.8 kilograms. When females and males are together, even at first glance it is easy to determine which one is which.
- Beak. Males are the owners of a fairly large and massive beak. You can determine the gender of the guinea fowl by the structure of the beak when the bird is already 5 months old. The Caesar has a very large and wide beak of a bright red color, on which there is a skin growth and protruding nostrils. The beak of the female is small, neat and more elongated, with small nostrils. The growth on the beak is practically not noticeable.
- Crest. A true poultry specialist can tell a female from a male by the position of the ridge. In appearance, the crest of the male is quite large and curved back.
- Head. Earlier it was said that the female guinea fowl is much larger than the male, but this does not apply to the head. The size of the head of a female bird is smaller and the transition from head to neck is practically not noticeable. When walking, the female's head is in an even vertical position, but the male, moving, directs his head forward.
- Shape and color of earrings. A guinea fowl is a bird that has so-called earrings located under its beak. Their shape and color makes it possible to determine the gender. In the female guinea fowl, the earrings look neat, their color can be red, orange or pale pink. Males, on the contrary, use earrings as an element of aggression and an indicator of their own status. The Caesar has large, massive, bright red earrings. With age, in birds, the earrings become coarser, therefore, by this sign, it is possible to determine the sex of an individual only at an early age.
- Feathers. You can also distinguish a female guinea fowl from a male by the color and length of the feathers. Certainly, this method is possible only when the chicks are already 1.5 months old. During this period, the guinea fowl begins to change color and her feathers grow. In the female guinea fowl, feathers appear and grow faster than in the male. Also, females are characterized by darker plumage. In males, the feathers are short and the same in size, the color of the feather is most often white.
The method works when the chicks are already about 4 months old. During this period, chickens begin to change in appearance and differ from each other.
Behavioral features
Behavior is another pronounced difference by which the sex of this poultry can be determined. The habits of the female are very different from the habits of the Caesar. When the birds are in the same herd, you can immediately determine where the male is and where the female is. Guinea fowls are more modest, keep aloof, almost never fluff their tails and generally keep their heads down. Caesars, on the contrary, behave in a defiant manner. Their tail is always fluffy, their head is held high. Thus, with their behavior, caesars attract the attention of females. During the mating season, when the males of the guinea fowl begin to care for the females, one can clearly see the distinctive behavioral signs in these birds.
It is worth noting the fact that the Caesars are quite aggressive. They almost always fight among themselves, thereby defending their position in the herd.
That is why, in order to avoid fights during the formation of the parent herd, they make sure that there is only 1 Caesar for 5 guinea fowls.
How to distinguish the sex of a bird by the sounds it makes?
Guinea fowl is a bird that is characterized not only by its beautiful appearance and color, but also by its peculiar voice. The female guinea fowl, unlike other birds that can be bred on a farm or at home, makes a very melodic sound, but males make sharper sounds. If you listen closely, you can hear how the birds communicate with each other and clearly hear two kinds of sounds. One sound will be lingering, with periodic crackling, and the other sound will be soft, without crackling. It is these sounds that will help you distinguish a boy from a girl - it is females that make soft sounds.
You will learn more about how to distinguish a female guinea fowl from a male by watching the following video.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, the guinea fowl is rarely seen in our farms. Beginning bird breeders fear that they will not have enough knowledge and experience to implement such a project. If you still decide to breed guinea fowls, you need to study all the information about the rules for their maintenance. In addition, a skill that allows you to correctly distinguish a female guinea fowl from a male is very useful to you already at the stage of buying the first individuals to form a herd.
The most common way to distinguish a parrot is to carefully examine the bird's wax. Wax is a leathery colored formation located in the upper part of the bird's beak. As a rule, males have a blue or purple cere, and females are brown or gray.
However, this method of determination will only help if the parrot is at least 1.5 years old. In chicks of infancy, it is not possible to determine the sex by the cere, since it subsequently changes color. Often, the male in infancy has a pink cere, and the female is blue.
In addition, the female has a border around the nostrils, usually it is light. The paws of the females are pink.
How to determine the sex of a budgerigar by behavior
If you are a little confused and cannot figure out how to distinguish a male budgerigar from a female, you can study them for a while. To determine the sex of a bird, observe its behavior.
Males are usually more sociable, mobile and determined. They behave more aggressively, like males of different animal species. This becomes especially noticeable during the mating season, when the parrot protects its female from strangers. At other times, male budgerigars make more noise and talk. In addition, they try to imitate their owners.
In turn, females behave much more modestly and calmly. They can be taught to speak in rare cases, and with great effort. However, during the mating season, females are also capable of showing aggression. They treat males favorably, but at the same time reservedly. However, females accept courtship with pleasure.
What you need to buy for budgerigars
Having learned how to distinguish a male budgerigar from a female, and having decided on the choice of a bird, you will need to provide a future pet suitable place stay in your home. First of all, you should purchase a cage. The budgerigar house should be simple and fairly spacious. For two parrots, a triangular or square cage 60x40 cm is best suited.
When choosing a suitable home for birds, take a closer look at the side walls. If you do not have the desire and opportunity to clean fluff, husks and feathers throughout the room every day, it is better to take a cage with high walls. It is desirable that they be transparent, allowing you to observe the bird and keep the area clean.
Having chosen the most suitable house for your future pet, do not forget to also purchase a drinker, food, mirrors, toys, etc. Currently, there are many accessories on sale that can brighten up your feathered friend's leisure time during your absence.
The budgerigar needs to be loved and pampered, treated with warm care and patience. And then he will delight you with his cheerful mood.
The royal bird has long been of interest to breeders. But before starting to breed it, the farmer must learn a number of important factors regarding the breeding of birds. If the poultry farmer is interested in guinea fowl, you can learn how to distinguish a female from a male from the article, as well as from video materials. There are several signs by which the sex of a bird is determined.
We offer you to learn how to determine the sex of a guinea fowl
How to distinguish a male guinea fowl from a female?
Of course, there are many differences regarding the appearance of guinea fowls. And novice poultry farmers know nothing about them. Many differences can be traced even if you carefully examine the photo. Unlike other birds, females are always heavier than males. But there are others important features:
- The structure of the male's head is larger and more powerful.
- The Caesar's beak is somewhat wider and thicker.
- Males have redder and longer wattles compared to guinea fowls.
- The Caesars have a more piercing and strong voice, which cannot be said about the females.
- Representatives of these birds different position head (in females - vertical, males serve it a little forward).
These are the main signs that will allow the owner of the guinea fowl to distinguish the male from the female unmistakably. Experienced breeders advise observing their behavior, walking and sounds, which will make it possible to determine the sex much faster.
Males have redder and longer wattles compared to guinea fowls. In the photo - male
Farmers savvy in this matter distinguish between sexes even in chicks. After all, they have well studied the habits of the bird, its exterior features, so they cope with the task even when the birds are only a day old.
How to distinguish a male guinea fowl from a female, photo
For a novice breeder, sex determination can be a major challenge. Those who have encountered it admit that they were often mistaken. Experienced breeders say that you should carefully study the description of the guinea fowl, consider the photo.
The guinea fowl has a smaller head and no red long earrings. In the photo - a female
It does not hurt to learn about the sex differences of guinea fowls. It is by external sexual characteristics that one can determine the sex unmistakably and the first time. And this applies not only to guinea fowl, but also to other poultry. The male genital organ is well developed, although it will be possible to distinguish it from the female only if caught. As you know, all representatives of the royal bird are quite shy. The presence of a small tubercle is a clear proof that you have a Caesar in front of you.
To distinguish a male from a female directly by gender, the poultry breeder will need time and experience. After all, in order to raise the tail and open the cloaca, you need to acquire skills. Breeders with experience share that this should be done very carefully. Otherwise, you can only scare the birds.
How to distinguish a male guinea fowl from a female, video:
We decided to breed guinea fowl, but you don’t know how to distinguish a female from a male? Then the advice of competent and experienced farmers, given in the article, photo, video, will be especially relevant. To summarize, you should pay attention to the voice of the bird, its head structure and habits. Knowing these signs, even an inexperienced breeder can easily determine the sex of a guinea fowl.
exotic bird resembles chicken and turkey in appearance. Undemanding guinea fowls are well tolerated in normal home conditions. The royal bird has special claims to the habitat, although they are feasible. Auxiliary information about the care of beautiful helpful birds help to avoid mistakes for a beginner.
Occasionally you can meet guinea fowl on farms. Though business is quite profitable. And those who have decided to raise this bird immediately have a lot of questions.
They are usually associated with the breeding of the royal bird breed, originally from the country of Italy.
By the way, in Italy, the bird is considered the royal chicken. One of the main questions for poultry farmers is how to correctly determine the sex of a bird.
What does a guinea fowl look like? The main properties of this type of poultry are as follows:
- body of medium volume;
- grayish uniform color of the whole body;
- large occipital growth;
- earrings on the lower part of the beak.
There are a number of species of guinea fowl, although only the gray one has taken root on the farm. And all breeding farms or just adherents of birds grow this particular breed.
For the productive rearing of guinea fowls at home under normal conditions, you need to purchase thoroughbred birds.
Demanded in home breeding Siberian whites and overseas white-breasted guinea fowl. At three months, young animals usually gain 1.3 kg of weight. Adult birds gain up to 2 kg of weight, and the female is often heavier than the male.
for newbies available for many reasons:
This bird is often called the royal chicken, it is so popular and appreciated by farmers in Italy and many other countries. Not every domestic poultry farmer will decide to grow a guinea fowl, as he will have to face a number of unresolved issues: how to care for and how to feed, in the end, how to determine the sex of a guinea fowl, etc. You need to know about all these points in advance in order to be able to grow in his backyard this amazingly beautiful bird.
It is quite difficult to distinguish guinea fowls by sex, especially if you are dealing with day old chicks. The thing is that females and males are so similar to each other that outward signs without certain knowledge, it is impossible to say who exactly is in front of you.
However, it is quite possible to distinguish a girl from a boy. One of the most simple ways- weight indicators. Interestingly, if in most varieties of poultry it is the weight that indicates that you have a male in front of you, in the case of guinea fowls, the difference between a male and a mature female is determined exactly the opposite: girls are much larger than boys. More precisely, females, as a rule, weigh twenty percent more than males.
However, it is not always possible to distinguish the sex of guinea fowls, if based solely on weight indicators. Therefore, for those who need to determine exactly how many individuals from the breeding herd acquired the day before are females and which of them are males, there are several alternatives. Knowing what exactly you need to pay attention to, you can correctly find out the gender of your guinea fowl.
Beak and scallop position
Determining the sex of guinea fowl is not always an important need for a farmer. All a poultry farmer needs to know is the fact that females can lay eggs while males cannot. However, these birds do not always start up in the courtyard solely for the purpose of obtaining eggs. That is why you need to know about the sex of the guinea fowl, and for this there are a couple of reliable methods for determining. For example, you can pay attention to the beak and the position of the comb. The female beak is small and looks neat. As for the male, his beak will be large, wide, and in some cases with characteristic growths.
The male guinea fowl also stands out due to the peculiar position of the scallop. Firstly, it is characterized by larger sizes than that of the female. Secondly, the scallop moves back a little and even visually seems larger. By these signs, you can identify male and female guinea fowls.
Voice
Knowing how to tell females from males will help you figure out what ratio of females to males your breeding stock includes.
One of effective ways sex determination - voice signs. Like all poultry, guinea fowls make characteristic sounds that differ depending on who is in front of you - a boy or a girl.
As a rule, in males, these sounds resemble trills with a kind of crackling sound. As for the females, they do not crackle, but make different sounds. Watch how the guinea fowls scream, and you will immediately figure out which of them are females and which are males. However, the voice, weight signs and the position of the scallop are not all the nuances by which the sex of poultry can be determined.
Earrings
Experienced farmers will immediately pay attention to the earrings that are located under the beak of the guinea fowl. According to them, much can also be said about the sexual characteristics of the royal chicken. Interestingly, it is the earrings that are considered the highlight, the main decoration of this poultry. But for farmers, this is generally a godsend, since this is almost the easiest way to determine the sex of a guinea fowl.
If we are talking about the Caesars, their earrings look fleshy. They are thick and immediately catch the eye. At the same time, in guinea fowl, the earrings are much less noticeable: they are small, neat, and somewhat softer to the touch. However, remember: females differ from males on this basis only at a young age. In the future, it will no longer make sense to pay attention to such nuances, since over time, the earrings in layers become coarser.
Behavior
You can also grow poultry such as guinea fowls in your backyard, but how to correctly distinguish boys from girls is a question often asked by farmers who are faced with such a need for the first time. However, this is not so difficult to do if you know what points to consider. If you have the opportunity to observe the behavior of poultry, you can also tell a lot about their sexual characteristics. For example, males behave regally, they majestically walk around the yard, their tail and head are raised. Unlike them, females walk much more modestly with their heads down. For those who have only recently acquired a couple of dozen guinea fowl chicks, there is a lot of information on how to determine the sex of a bird without any extra effort. Watch the video to notice the key differences in the behavior of guinea fowls and caesars, and you will be able to apply the practical knowledge in a short time.
Sex determination in chicks
When a farmer is just starting to grow guinea fowl, how to correctly distinguish a female from a male is one of the key problems that he needs to learn how to solve. Many experts believe that it is almost impossible to find out exactly how many guinea fowls and caesars you have acquired in the first months of their life. All differences are conditional and with the development of the young, you may at one point realize that you did something wrong. A common opinion is that you can find out the sex of a chick only when it is at least three months old.
However, an experienced poultry farmer who has been raising guinea fowl for many years will easily cope with this task, even if he is dealing with day old chicks. Here, the main thing is to pay attention to the external genitalia. Appearance and coloring is not your helper, since it will definitely not work to distinguish between females and males. Find out how females differ from males, and you yourself can learn how to determine the sex of guinea fowls when the need arises.
Video "How to distinguish a female guinea fowl from a male"
From this video you will learn how to distinguish a female guinea fowl from a male.
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