Pearl Gray Questions

[BACOG]

I would like to get some pearl grays and let them free range on the homestead but have some questions.

How do they do in sub zero weather? It regularly gets -10 to -20 around here.

How do you tell males from females? Vent sexing?

It appears they lay more eggs than needed for reproduction. If they are free ranging how do I make sure no eggs are wasted?

Thank you.

 

[WallyBirdie]

If you're talking about guinea fowl, they can withstand cold fairly well- but they should have shelter and access to food/water. Optional heat in winter. (I'm told it's not needed but I have it anyway.) As long as they don't get too wet they can maintain body temperatures well.
To tell males from females- I have never done any vent sexing. I wait till they are juveniles and start making more mature sounds. Females talk in two syllables and males have a single syllable that is quickly/loudly repeated.
My males' wattles are slightly larger/redder but it's hard to tell unless you really look to compare.
As for eggs, I am not sure. Mine have never had a successful hatch, nor have they ever had any interest in sitting on eggs.

 

[R2elk]

It appears they lay more eggs than needed for reproduction. If they are free ranging how do I make sure no eggs are wasted?

Many people keep their guineas in the coop in the mornings in order to encourage them to lay in the coop. If you plan on just turning them loose, If they live long enough to lay eggs, you will only be able to find their nests through diligent searches. Of course once you find a nest and take the eggs, they will most likely abandon that nest.