Be Fair To This Fowl
(Page 2 of 4)
July/August 1982
By Jonathan Erickson
Although it's probably best to start with birds that are only a few days old (since the youngsters are easier to condition to the ways of your farm and home), you can buy fully grown guineas if you prefer. When you do so, though, be sure to examine the available stock carefully and choose the strongest, healthiest fowl you can find. A good bird will have a wellrounded, fullfeathered body and—if you're buying a pure breed—uniform color underneath its white speckles.
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Telling the Boys from the Girls
Once you're pleased with the color and shape of a prospective purchase, you'll have to determine the sex of the bird. It's best to acquire your fowl in pairs, since—unlike chickens, which are quite content with one rooster husbanding a number of hens—guineas are monogamous creatures and thrive best in couples. In fact, if one partner is killed or stolen, its mate will often wander off alone instead of joining the remainder of the flock.
Unfortunately, most folks find it nearly impossible to tell the difference between male and female guineas . . . but, with patience and a little practice, it can be done. Of course, a farmer who's selling you a fowl may well be able to perform the task for you, but you'll still have to figure out sexing sooner or later. So take a deep breath and summon up your keenest powers of observation.
Guinea males differ from females in three ways: The sex can be determined by sight, by sound, and by touch.
First, look at the head and wattles: A male's "helmet" and "beard" are slightly larger than a female's.
Second, listen to the voices: A hen bird's cry has two syllables—it sounds something like "buck-wheat"—and a male's only one. This vocal distinction is noticeable by the time the young birds are about two months old. (The female may copy the male's single shriek in a moment of excitement, but the cock guinea will never imitate her speech.)
Third, feel the rear bone structure to determine how wide the pelvic area is. To do this, hold the bird under one arm with its head facing behind you and gently examine it with your free hand. A female should have about three fingers of space between the bones, and a male about two.
