450 POULTRY PRODUCTION 



Breeding Guineas. — It is frequently difficult to distinguish 

 between the sexes with guinea-fowl. While the head fur- 

 nishings of the male are generally more developed than in the 

 female, the surest way to tell them apart is by their cry. 

 The female has a cry that sounds like " Ijuckwheat," while the 

 male always gives a prolonged scream. 



If there are equal numbers of males and females they will 

 ])air ofi'. The males may be m ated successfully with several 

 females, howe\'er. In small flocks the number is usually 

 three or four. 



Incubating Guinea Eggs. — It will be found least trouble- 

 some to incubate the eggs under ordinary hens, as the guineas 

 are likely to be late in becoming broody and are difficult of 

 control after liatching. A hen of the American breeds can 

 successfully cover about eighteen guinea eggs. The eggs 

 hatch ill twenty-eight to thirty days. 



Feeding Young Guineas. — The newly hatched guineas are 

 very small and should lie somewhat carefully watched for 

 the first week or ten days. During this time it is well to 

 keep them confined to a coop so that thej' will not be lost. 

 After that time they may be given their freedom with their 

 mother. During the period of confinement they should be 

 fref|uently fed on very finely cracked grains. At first they 

 should be fed a little every hour. This may be gradually 

 reduced, until at the time they are given their liberty they 

 may be fed but five times a day. This may furtlier be 

 reduced as time goes on. 



The further feeding of either the young or the mature 

 stock will be similar in rations and routine to chickens. 



