Guinea Fowl

Saw these guinea fowls in the market and could not resist buying them.

The Origin

One of the most ancient bird, the guinea fowl is native of South Africa from where it spreads all over the continent, excluding desert regions, up to the Mediterranean sea. For a long period of time, the guinea fowl, and its eggs, was one of the main dish of the Africans. It can explain why this bird is more resistant to hot weather than the chicken.

Characteristics and Habits

In a natural environment, the guinea fowl is monogamous. The female usually lays 12 to 20 eggs. During broodiness, the gregarious male jealously protects the females. It is hard to distinguish between the male and the female since they both have the same plumage.

If a predator happens to pass by, the guinea fowl runs so fast, it's as if it wasn't touching the ground at all. It can also fly several hundred meters.

The guinea fowl eats seeds and weeds and grows fast. It stays on the ground all day but likes to perch when the night comes.

The guinea fowl is able to hear unusual noise or movement coming from far away, it then starts to scream very loud. That is why it is also known as the farm-yard sentry.

If the guinea fowl is kept in a reserved clump or outdoor, it can become turbulent and even quarrelsome. Therefore, it keeps its nervous and hasty natural temper when raised in the wild.

Breeding

Because of its light skeleton, the guinea fowl gives more meat the chicken. Its rusticity and adaptability make it the perfect bird for an intensive cost effective breeding. Many breeders understood that and are now opening up new avenues for trade.

Links for Guinea Fowl Information.

Guinea Fowl International Association has loads of links and info on guinea fowls.

Farming Friends.com has some good information on breeding guinea fowls.