Guinea fowl, the spotted sentinels of the poultry world, are gaining popularity among homesteaders and farmers alike. These raucous birds, known for their distinctive polka-dot plumage and loud calls, have long been touted as natural pest control agents.1
But beyond their insect-eating prowess, these quirky birds harbor a treasure trove of surprises.
Whether you’re considering adding these speckled beauties to your backyard or simply curious about their peculiarities, prepare for some surprising insights. Here are 16 eye-opening facts about guinea fowl that might just ruffle your feathers.
1. Guinea Fowl are Incredibly Noisy
One of the first things you’ll notice about guinea fowl is their loud, distinctive calls. They are known for their noisy nature and will often make a racket at the slightest disturbance.
Be prepared for early morning wake-up calls and occasional noise throughout the day.
2. They Require Plenty of Space
Guinea fowl are active, energetic birds that need ample room to roam. They thrive when given the opportunity to free-range and forage for their food.
If you plan on keeping them confined, ensure their enclosure is spacious enough to accommodate their natural behaviors.
3. Guinea Fowl are Social Creatures
These birds are heavily reliant on their flock and become distressed when separated from their companions. They form strong bonds within their groups and even establish social preferences for certain other groups.
Always keep guinea fowl in pairs or small flocks to ensure their happiness and well-being.
4. Keets Require Specialized Care
Young guinea fowl, known as keets, have specific dietary and environmental needs. They require a higher protein feed than baby chicks and need to be kept in a warm, dry brooder for the first few weeks of life.
Failing to provide proper care can result in high mortality rates.
5. Guinea Fowl are Not the Best Parents
In the wild, guinea fowl mothers often lose interest in their keets shortly after hatching, leading to high mortality rates. If you plan on breeding guinea fowl, be prepared to intervene and care for the keets yourself to ensure their survival.
6. They Have Unique Dietary Needs
While guinea fowl are excellent foragers, they require a diet higher in protein than chickens. Providing a balanced, high-quality feed is essential for their health and well-being. Supplement their diet with leafy greens, insects, and occasional treats.
7. Guinea Fowl are Excellent Pest Control
These birds are known for their ability to consume large quantities of ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests. They will diligently patrol your property, keeping the insect population under control.
Some owners even report a reduction in Lyme disease risk due to their guinea fowl’s tick-eating habits.
8. They are Not Fond of Confinement
Guinea fowl prefer to roost in trees and spend most of their time free-ranging. While providing shelter is essential, these birds may not take well to being confined in a coop or run for extended periods.
Allow them plenty of time to roam and explore during the day.
9. Guinea Fowl Can Be Territorial
These birds are known for their territorial nature and may not take kindly to new additions to their flock or other animals on your property. Introduce new birds slowly and supervise their interactions to prevent conflicts.
10. They Have a Unique Appearance
Guinea fowl have a distinctive look, with featherless heads, bony crests, and spotted plumage. Some species, like the vulturine guinea fowl, are particularly striking, with colorful features and long, ornate feathers.
11. Guinea Fowl Eggs are Smaller Than Chicken Eggs
If you plan on collecting eggs from your guinea fowl, be aware that they are smaller than chicken eggs. On average, you’ll need two guinea fowl eggs to equal one chicken egg in volume. However, many people find the eggs to be rich and flavorful.
12. They Can Be Challenging to Differentiate
Determining the sex of guinea fowl can be difficult, especially when they are young. Males and females have similar plumage, but there are some subtle differences in size and vocalizations.
Males tend to be larger and have a single-syllable call, while females make a two-syllable sound.
13. Guinea Fowl are Hardy Birds
Despite their quirks, guinea fowl are generally hardy birds that are resistant to many common poultry diseases. They are well-suited to a variety of climates and can adapt to both hot and cold temperatures.
However, they are sensitive to dampness, especially as keets.
14. They Have a Long Lifespan
With proper care, guinea fowl can live for 10-15 years. This is longer than many other poultry species, so be prepared for a long-term commitment when adding these birds to your flock.
15. Guinea Fowl May Not Get Along with Other Poultry
While some owners report success in keeping guinea fowl with chickens and other poultry, it’s not always a harmonious relationship. Guinea fowl can be aggressive towards other birds, especially if they feel their territory is threatened.
Provide plenty of space and separate feeding areas to minimize conflicts.
16. They Have a Rich History
Guinea fowl have been domesticated for thousands of years and hold significant cultural, social, and religious importance in many African countries. In addition to their practical uses as pest control and meat birds, they are also valued for their unique appearance and behaviors.
Source:
1. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.