Turkey and turkey are different: sex determination methods at different ages

Every beginner farmer should know the difference between a turkey and a turkey. Birds of different sexes have a different character and behavior. When keeping them, it is recommended to take into account special nuances when breeding and compiling a diet. Like many birds, turkeys do not have primary sexual characteristics. Therefore, it is possible to determine the gender solely by appearance and habits.

What is the difference between a turkey and a turkey

To identify the sex of a bird, it is recommended to take into account the nature, appearance, habits. The main differences between a turkey and a turkey are its large size and impressive weight.Females weigh much less than males. However, keep in mind that this feature does not always work. Some breeds are characterized by the same size of females and males. In such situations, other methods must be used.

Methods of gender difference in turkeys

To determine the sex of birds, it is recommended to take into account many features - first of all, appearance and behavior.

By appearances

Determining the sex of the birds will not be difficult even for inexperienced farmers. Many find it much easier to make sense of differences in size since males are much larger than females. But this rule does not always work.

Even with differences in diet, females are able to catch up with large males in weight. At the same time, adult turkeys sometimes gain weight poorly and turn out to be small and thin.

The main sign of a male is the presence of a special growth above the beak. It is called coral.This is a process that has a crimson hue. It hangs from its beak. With increased emotional arousal, the process increases to 15 centimeters in length. Feathers of birds are also significantly different. Males have a bunch of thread-like feathers on the chest and spurs. At the same time, a characteristic feature of turkeys is the almost complete absence of feathers on the head.

The scallop also differs according to gender. Males have a bright red crest, while females are paler and smaller. Another parameter for determining gender is the appearance of the chin. Males have a leathery pocket at the bottom of the neck. In one-year-old turkeys, it cannot be distinguished from the neck. To see the pocket, you need to lift it with your hand. In a turkey, this part hangs 2-3 centimeters.

By the splendor of the tail

The tail helps to identify the sex of birds. Females have a less lush and beautiful tail compared to males. At the same time, the feathers on the tail of turkeys are of amazing beauty. They are even and dense.

By spurs and litter volume

To distinguish between females and males, it is worth considering the presence of spurs. They are extremely rare in females. To a greater extent, soft feathers are characteristic of birds. At the same time, males have sharp spurs. Another way to determine the sex is to estimate the number of litters. The age of the birds in this case is not important. In males, the litter has a denser texture and smaller volumes. It lays down in the form of "J". For females, a larger number of litters is characteristic. In this case, it usually forms a "slide". It looks like chicken feces.

By habits

The difference between birds is also present in their habits. Turkey females are characterized by a collective manner of behavior.They usually form groups of different sizes - it all depends on the number of birds. It is the females that are more aggressive. If turkeys form a group, they are able to peck at other poultry - for example, chickens or roosters. Similar differences in behavior appear in adulthood. This gender assessment method is usually only used by professionals.

It is worth considering that it is important to separate females from males at 5-6 months - this will help avoid traumatic injuries.

During breeding, the behavior of males changes. They make cooing sounds and draw circles on the ground. This confirms the readiness of the turkeys to mate.

By individual size

To distinguish girls from boys, you should focus on their sizes. The live weight of adult males can be 35 kilograms, and females - 11. At 5-6 months, they have the same size. Therefore, it is important to take into account other features.

At an early age

The easiest way to estimate the sex of daily poults. This can be done using the Japanese method. To do this, it is recommended to stretch the cloaca and find the genitals with your fingers. In females, it is possible to find 2 folds fastened to each other. Their penis is more elongated and is characterized by a loose structure. In turkeys, there are 2 small roundnesses in the hole, which are called genital tubercles. This method requires knowledge and skills, but is 100% effective.

It is recommended to perform the examination of the genital organs of the chicks very carefully to avoid traumatic injuries. On large farms, this manipulation is performed by a veterinarian. Inspection of one chick takes a maximum of 2 seconds. This gender detection method is used from birth.

In a 1 week old chick, it will be possible to determine the sex by the size of the feathers.In males, the extreme feathers on the wings are of equal length. At the same time, experts say that this method is only 70% effective. After some time, the length evens out and does not depend on gender. Therefore, there is a risk of missing this moment.

It can be more difficult to distinguish turkey poults at an older age. Therefore, it is best to determine their gender at an early age. This should be done in 1 day.

To divide chicks aged 1 month into 2 categories, you can use a special device. It involves the use of ultrasound. Turkeys and turkeys have a number of differences. To determine the sex of birds, it is recommended to take into account their appearance, feather size, comb and tail. There is also a difference in behavior that helps distinguish between males and females.

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