Has anyone in Europe used MyBirdDNA.com?

[Maiahr]

I am looking for a lab that does DNA tests for sexing guinea fowls. I have two flocks and have no idea about males/females. I found this website MyBirdDNA.com which is a French lab, and was wondering if anyone has used it.

 

[R2elk]

I am looking for a lab that does DNA tests for sexing guinea fowls. I have two flocks and have no idea about males/females. I found this website MyBirdDNA.com which is a French lab, and was wondering if anyone has used it.

I have not used DNA testing to determine the sex of guinea fowl. If the guineas are adults, there are a number of different signs that can help you determine their sexes. The most common method used is the vocal one. Guinea hens can make the two syllable "buckwheat" while the males cannot.

There are some physical characteristics such as the hens having raised "bustles" during laying season. I have never seen a male with a raised bustle.

There are some behavioral characteristics such as females looking directly at you while males will look at you from the side while they dance around trying to size you up.

Good luck.

 

[Maiahr]

@R2elk thank you. I am not sure about the sound recognition.. I could video them and then show you the video? I have two flocks - one with 3 , the other with 4 birds, all are adults (hatched last year)

 

[R2elk]

@R2elk thank you. I am not sure about the sound recognition.. I could video them and then show you the video? I have two flocks - one with 3 , the other with 4 birds, all are adults (hatched last year)

The males don't make the "buckwheat" call but the hens can make all the sounds that the males make.

As spring approaches, your hens should be "buckwheating" nearly constantly as they call for mates.

 

[Maiahr]

I observed the behaviour of the flock with 3 guineas. None is currently making the buckwheat call, but we have 50cm of snow here, so I am not surprised. I noticed, one is calmer than the other 2, and has larger wattles and her body is larger than the other two. Could this be the female?

 

[R2elk]

I observed the behaviour of the flock with 3 guineas. None is currently making the buckwheat call, but we have 50cm of snow here, so I am not surprised. I noticed, one is calmer than the other 2, and has larger wattles and her body is larger than the other two. Could this be the female?

Larger body, bigger wattles, taller casque (helmet) most likely means male but these are not always guaranteed.

Mine have been out "buckwheating" in sub zero temps with snow on the ground lately.