Volga white guinea fowl: breed description and characteristics, breeding

White guinea fowl were bred in the late eighties of the last century and almost immediately gained great popularity. This is due to the attractive appearance, rapid weight gain and the resistance of birds to many diseases characteristic of birds. At the same time, birds have different types. One of the most productive breeds is the white Volga guinea fowl.

Characteristics and appearance of the bird

This breed was bred from the white Siberian breed. The efforts of scientists were aimed at increasing egg productivity and adapting to cold and hot climates.As a result, birds appeared that can stay in heat above +50 degrees for a long time and show their properties favorably in the harsh conditions of the northern regions.

The following properties are typical for birds of this breed:

1. Birds have white feathers with small cream grains.
2. Guinea fowls are distinguished by their large size, powerful chest and broad back. Males have a slightly pointed chest. Males are smaller than females. The weight of males in six months is 2 kilograms, females - 2.7.
3. Feathers are characterized by a long neck covered with rare feathers.
4. The head is small in size. At the same time, a voluminous skin outgrowth is located on it.
5. The beak looks quite massive and goes down. Earrings are located on both sides of the beak. They have a diamond shape and are white in color with a bright red border. Females have poorly developed earrings. They are characterized by a white face and large eyes.
6. Birds are characterized by high limbs. Due to this, they run fast and overcome impressive distances in search of food. They can be kept free-range in the steppe zone. At the same time, individuals are allowed to be grown in cages.
7. The body of birds is adapted to cereals and succulent food. They can also be given coarser food and chopped hay.
8. Guinea fowls are characterized by a long period of egg production. During the season, 120 eggs weighing 45 grams can be obtained from 1 bird.
9. Chicks are born with white down. There are dark stripes on the back.
10. Female maturation occurs at 8 months. At the same time, the reproductive system of males develops closer to 9 months.

Pros and cons of the Volga white guinea fowls

Pros and consbeautiful appearance of birds;rapid weight gain;undemanding to care and nutrition;the opportunity to get a lot of tender meat;dietary properties of meat.relatively low productivity - this disadvantage is typical for all guinea fowls;difficulties in determining the sex of birds - this is typical for many birds with white feathers.

Rules of maintenance and care

Guinea fowl are grown on many large farms or in small private farms. They are easy to maintain. However, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Birds need a spacious aviary. If you constantly keep birds indoors, they will develop poorly.

It is permissible to use an ordinary chicken coop for growing guinea fowl. However, it should be fairly free. Two guinea fowls need 1 square meter of space.

When creating an aviary, special attention should be paid to the height of the fence. It must be at least 2 meters. If this requirement is violated, the birds will be able to freely fly over the fence.

In the cool season, birds need perches. In this case, it is recommended to lay sawdust or straw on the floor. In the warm season, it is important to monitor high-quality ventilation in the house. When arranging the enclosure, it is recommended to provide shaded places, sunny areas and shelters from the rain.

Feeding Features

For feeding guinea fowls, it is permissible to use compound feed or provide for a traditional diet. These birds are suitable for dry types of food that are intended for broiler chickens or birds that belong to the meat direction. Birds should receive 90 grams of the mixture per day.

To increase the weight of birds, it is recommended to give germinated grain. It is also permissible to use sunflower cake. If there is a cow on the farm, it is worth using dairy products - yogurt, whey or cottage cheese.

To increase the parameters of egg productivity, it is recommended to give guinea fowl juicy types of food. In the courtyard, you should definitely place a container with a shell rock. Birds love to peck at him. Shell rock helps to increase the calcium content in the body.

Is it profitable to breed?

In terms of productivity, guinea fowls are difficult to compare with other types of poultry. However, this does not mean that it is unprofitable to grow them. The cost of a carcass measuring 1.5 kilograms reaches 1000 rubles. In this case, 10 eggs will cost 200-300 rubles. However, they can be stored for up to six months. Therefore, it is quite cost-effective to grow guinea fowl for commercial purposes.

What do they get sick with?

When growing white Volga guinea fowls, their well-being must be constantly monitored.Although these birds are characterized by excellent immunity, sometimes they get sick. To a greater extent, birds are prone to colds and infectious pathologies. The main causes of pathologies include unsanitary conditions in the room, exposure to drafts, violation of the rules of care. Common diseases that guinea fowls face include the following:

• trichomoniasis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• hemorrhagic septicemia;
• bacillar dysentery.

When the first signs of pathology appear in a guinea fowl, it is recommended to immediately contact a veterinarian. In parallel with therapy, he will definitely conduct anthelmintic treatment. Usually, in the initial stages, birds can be quickly cured. When a pathology is detected, it is imperative to vaccinate the entire livestock. Otherwise, the likelihood of an epidemic is high. Volga white guinea fowl is distinguished by its excellent appearance and relatively high productivity.In order for the cultivation of birds to be successful, it is recommended to strictly follow the rules for caring for them.

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