What is the difference between guinea fowl and chicken: comparison and which is better, joint content

Guinea fowl have not yet taken the main place in domestic poultry farming. In Russia, chickens remain the predominant type of poultry. Consider the difference between guinea fowl and chicken in appearance and characteristics, productivity. Is it possible to keep birds of both species together, which of them is preferable for raising and breeding in the household.

What is the difference between chicken and guinea fowl

Birds can be distinguished by their appearance. Guinea fowls are slightly larger than chickens, have a rounded body with a short tail down. Females are slightly smaller than males. The standard plumage is gray with small, frequent speckles. In chickens, the color of the feather is more diverse.

The head of the guinea fowl is naked, with a keratinized crest and earrings on the sides. In chickens, the comb is soft, of various shapes, simple and curly, in a rooster more than in a chicken. It is not uncommon for roosters to have bushy tails, although not all breeds do. The neck of guinea fowl is longer and thinner than that of chickens. Birds of both species have short, wide-set legs, sharp claws on the fingers. Both those and others rake the ground in search of food, run fast. Both species fly, but guinea fowls can fly higher than hens, which usually fly no higher than 2 m.

Body size and weight of chicken can vary widely - 1-5 kg. The weight of guinea fowls is more uniform - the birds weigh 1.3-2.5 kg. Puberty and the onset of egg production in hens occurs earlier than in female guinea fowls, which begin to lay at 6-8 months.

There are also differences in the behavior of birds. Chickens were domesticated much earlier, they are used to living next to people and animals, therefore they behave calmly, adequately respond to agricultural machinery. Guinea fowls are more shy, afraid of noise, sudden movements.They do not have a developed maternal instinct, they rarely hatch chickens themselves. Chickens are preferable in this regard - they can breed chicks, not only their own, but also birds of other species.

Differences in eggs in birds

Females of guinea fowl do not rush all year round, like chickens, but in warm weather - from March to October. Females do not rush every day. It is considered a good result if you can get 100 eggs per season from one laying hen. Compared to chicken eggs, caesar eggs are smaller and weigh 43-50 g. They have a different shape - the base is wide, the sharp end is narrower than that of chicken eggs. Thanks to this shape and thick shell, guinea fowl eggs are stronger than those of chickens, and it is not so easy to break them.

The shell is rough, matte, different shades of brown and yellow, with dark speckles.The yolk is from pale yellow to dark orange, in this respect it does not differ from chicken. Protein is more viscous because it contains less liquid. It has bactericidal properties, eggs do not deteriorate for a long time, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a year. This is due to the fact that the shell contains few pores. However, it is undesirable to store for so long, the eggs dry out and become tasteless.

Caesar eggs have less fat and cholesterol, 4 times more carotene. They do not cause allergies and are recommended for use by children, pregnant women, the sick and the elderly.

Is it possible to keep guinea fowls with chickens together

Poultry farmers often place guinea fowls in the same poultry house with chickens. The joint keeping of both species is permissible if the birds are together from an early age.They have no special differences in nutrition and maintenance, but it is necessary to vaccinate in order to protect the livestock from infectious diseases. Disadvantages of general content - guinea fowls can ruin chicken nests, so do chickens.

Larger birds can push smaller birds away from feeders and drinkers, causing them to become malnourished. Guinea fowls are shy and noisy, they can scare chickens.

Which bird is better

Both types of birds have advantages and disadvantages. Both are well suited for home breeding, the choice depends on the goals that the poultry breeder sets for himself. But beginners are advised to start by raising chickens, as a less demanding bird. Chickens are cheaper, birds can be kept in the amount of only a few heads, while representatives of the guinea fowl family must live in a flock of 20 or more. Caring for chickens is easier, as is selling chicken meat and eggs. Keeping chickens is familiar to poultry farmers, so you can consult with colleagues on any questions that have arisen.

Experienced poultry farmers can safely engage in the cultivation of guinea fowls. Their meat and eggs are more expensive due to the fact that they are not as affordable as chicken ones. Guinea fowls and chickens have differences in appearance and productivity. To choose which bird to raise, you should pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of each species and consider the purpose for which the bird is supposed to be bred.

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