“I will not reveal my secret trick for crossbreeding chickens and guinea fowl, but what I can say is that it is a traditional method from Zambia,” chuckled Lungu .
A cross between a chicken and a guinea fowl is known as a Guin-Hen or simply a Guin. Such hybrids are extremely rare and usually infertile, with most not surviving to maturity due to genetic incompatibility. However, this has not been the case for Lusulu farmer Lungu, from Binga, who proudly owns a thriving Guin-Hen hybrid.
These unique birds resemble chickens in appearance but have the wild stature of a guinea fowl and even produce the distinctive guinea fowl call.
“They have the mannerisms of a wild bird, which is why they can withstand the hot and harsh climatic conditions of Binga,” Lungu explained.
In the early 20th century, scientists studied such hybrids in an attempt to better understand evolutionary patterns and to refine the classification of species. Genetic differences between the two birds — and the proteins they produce — have been examined to advance biological knowledge.
In most cases, very few rooster-fertilised guinea fowl eggs develop into embryos. Of those that do, the majority die before hatching (pipping) or shortly after emerging, particularly females. Surviving hybrids recorded in scientific studies have almost always been male. Physical appearance and behaviour reveal no obvious gender differences in the hybrids; they also show no sexual characteristics or reproductive interest. Their reproductive organs remain undeveloped, meaning the hormones necessary for breeding are absent.
The survival of Lungu’s female Guin-Hen hybrids is, therefore, remarkable — and could present an exciting opportunity for poultry farmers seeking a rare and resilient addition to their flocks.
According to Lungu, several of his female hybrids have already reached reproductive maturity. Another unusual trait is that, while ordinary chicken eggs take 21 days to hatch, Guin-Hen eggs take around 29 days.
With such resilience, distinctive looks, and rarity, the Lusulu Guin-Hen hybrid is attracting attention from farmers who are eager to diversify and explore rare poultry breeds.
