Guinea fowl are a type of bird that originate from Africa. They are known for their unique spotted plumage and loud, distinctive calls. Telling the difference between a male and female guinea fowl can be tricky for beginners. However, there are some key physical characteristics and behaviors that can help you distinguish males from females.
In this article, we will go over the following questions:
- What are some key physical differences between male and female guinea fowl?
- What vocalizations or calls are unique to male guinea fowl?
- How does male guinea fowl behavior differ from females?
- At what age can you start to accurately sex guinea fowl?
- Are there any special considerations for sexing particular guinea fowl breeds or varieties?
Learning to properly identify the sex of guinea fowl is an important skill for poultry keepers. Accurately sexing guinea fowl allows you to maintain a good breeding ratio in your flock and avoid unwanted hatches. Let’s explore the telltale signs that distinguish cocks from hens!
Physical Differences Between Males and Females
When it comes to physical characteristics, there are a few subtle but important differences between male and female guinea fowl:
Size and Weight
Male guinea fowl, also called cocks, are noticeably larger and heavier than females (hens). On average, a mature cock will weigh around 3.5-5 lbs while hens weigh 2.5-3.5 lbs. Cocks tend to stand taller and have broader bodies, longer necks, and larger heads. The size difference is apparent starting from a young age.
Wattle Size
Both sexes have wattles, which are the fleshy protrusions that hang below the beak. However, wattles are noticeably larger and more pronounced on male guinea fowl. The wattle is generally red or purplish in color. A larger wattle size correlates with higher testosterone levels in males.
Helmet Shape
The bony crown or “helmet” on top of the guinea fowl’s head tends to be larger and more angular in males. Hens’ helmets appear smaller, neater, and rounder by comparison. The helmet is an integral part of the bird’s wild appearance.
Spurs
One of the most obvious giveaways that you are looking at a male guinea fowl is the presence of pointed keratin spurs on the legs. Males develop spurs starting at around 12-16 weeks of age. The spurs are used for defending territory and establishing dominance in the flock. Hens lack spurs entirely.
Plumage Coloration
In some guinea fowl breeds and varieties, males exhibit slightly more vivid plumage coloring compared to females. This is often seen in the helmeted pearl variety, where cocks have more clearly defined white dot markings. However, plumage differences are subtle and should not be solely relied upon when sexing guinea fowl.
Now that we’ve covered the major physical differences, let’s discuss how vocalizations can be used to determine sex in guinea fowl.
Male Guinea Fowl Calls and Vocalizations
Male guinea fowl make a wide array of excited chirps, chatters, and noisy calls that females rarely produce. Here are some of the unique vocalizations of males:
- Loud, two-note whistle call – This high-pitched “CHI-chi-chi” whistle is the quintessential sound of a male guinea seeking females. It can be heard from quite a distance away.
- Rhythmic purring – Males make a unique purring sound, reminiscent of distant drum beats, while courting females.
- Chatter-squawk – A fast, gurgling squawk that sounds like “buck-wheat, buck-wheat.” Males make this sound when alarmed or establishing territory.
- Whirring/vibrating sounds – Males vibrate their feathers to produce buzzing or whirring noises during courtship displays.
In addition to unique calls, males are also much more vocal overall compared to females. If your guinea is especially noisy and loves to show off with loud vocalizations, it’s almost certainly a cock. The quieter guinea is likely the hen.
Behavioral Differences Between Male and Female Guinea Fowl
In addition to physical attributes and vocalizations, guinea fowl exhibit some clear behavioral differences between the sexes:
- Strutting – Male guineas strut proudly with puffed-out chests, often combined with rapid vibrating/whirring sounds. Think of a male peacock fanning his feathers.
- Mating dances – Males perform spirited mating dances to attract female attention, involving much spinning and jumping.
- Aggression – Males are more aggressive, especially regarding territory. They often fight using their spurs.
- Guarding – Cocks act as lookouts and guardians, making alarm calls and chasing predators away.
- Nesting – Only hens sit on the nest and incubate eggs. Males take no part in this.
In general, the male guinea fowl has a more commanding, bold, and brash presence. He actively courts females and acts as protector of the flock. Hens are more docile, reserved, and focused on nesting activities.
When Are Guinea Fowl Old Enough to Sex Accurately?
Many physical attributes used to determine sex do not fully develop until the guinea fowl are mature. Here is a guide to when you can accurately sex guinea keets:
- At hatch: Not possible to accurately sex day-old guinea chicks.
- 4 – 8 weeks: Some size differences may become noticeable but still not fully reliable.
- 8 – 12 weeks: Spurs start developing on young cockerels, hens also mature slower which shows size difference.
- 12 – 16 weeks: Spurs clearly visible on cockerels, size difference more pronounced.
- 16+ weeks: Adult plumage present, males clearly larger than females. Sex can be determined reliably.
The most certain time to sex guineas is once they reach adulthood at 16 weeks and beyond. Trying to determine sex earlier than 12 weeks can lead to inaccurate guesses. Patience is key!
Special Considerations for Sexing Guinea Fowl Breeds
Most standard guinea fowl breeds follow the typical size, plumage, spur, and behavior patterns of the helmeted pearl variety discussed so far. However, certain heritage guinea fowl breeds may require a modified approach:
Lavender guinea fowl – Auto-sexing breed where males have solid dark grey plumage and females are brown/tan. Plumage coloration allows easy sexing from a young age.
Buffalo guinea fowl – Auto-sexing like lavenders. Males are blackish grey while hens are reddish brown.
White guinea fowl – Lack of coloration makes sexing challenging. Rely more on wattle size, spur presence, and behavior cues.
Crested guinea fowl -Male crests are larger. Crest development is delayed compared to other breeds.
Regardless of the breed, presence of spurs remains the most reliable indicator of males past 12 weeks of age. Train your eye to spot spur development whenever sexing juvenile guineas.
Conclusion
Identifying whether you have a male or female guinea fowl involves careful observation of physical traits, vocalizations, and behaviors that differ between the sexes. While young keets are difficult to sex accurately, adults show clear sexual dimorphism. The three best male identifiers to remember are:
- Larger size and body mass
- Presence of pointed spurs on the legs
- Loud, unique vocalizations and courtship displays
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently determine the sex of your adult guinea fowl. A good breeding ratio is one cock to every four to five hens. Proper sexing allows you to cull excess males and optimize hatching success.