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What is a Guinea Fowl?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Guinea fowl are medium sized birds native to Africa in the Numididae family, strongly resembling partridges and existing in both wild and domesticated forms. Like other types of poultry, they are kept both for their eggs and flesh around the world, and live birds are available from poultry supply companies that specialize in exotic and unusual birds. Guinea fowl can also be found in a much less active form at the butcher's, and are available fresh and frozen.

Some people compare guinea fowl to army helmets, and they do have a rather rotund shape, marked at the top of the head with a distinctive crest of feathers, or, in the case of the helmeted guinea fowl, a fleshy comb like in chickens. The birds come in gray, white, and bluish tones, many of which are spangled with spots in contrasting colors. Their heads are usually bald, and the birds are somewhat peculiar looking, as a result.

Guinea fowl are birds native to Africa.
Guinea fowl are birds native to Africa.

In addition to providing a food source, these birds are also excellent watch birds. They are highly vocal avians, with both male and females frequently calling out through the day. The naturally curious birds will also comment on any visitors, alerting homeowners to potential guests or intruders. Guinea fowl are also voracious insect eaters, and are used on the farm and around the garden for pest control. Unlike some other pheasant-like birds, guinea fowl are not very destructive to gardens, and they can be safely allowed to wander as long as they have plentiful food supplies.

A young guinea fowl is called a keet. Female birds are responsible for raising the keets, although the birds do form monogamous relationships, and the males sometimes assist with caring for the chicks. Males and females are very similar in appearance, although males tend to be slightly larger, with bigger crests and combs. The birds spend most of their lives on the ground, foraging for food and nesting, and they are omnivorous, although they consume a large amount of insects.

As a meat animal, guinea fowl produce primarily dark meat, which can dry out if it is not cooked properly. When cooking the birds, they should be well basted to prevent the meat from drying out, and you may want to consider serving them with a dipping sauce to moisturize the meat. The birds are often served whole, as there is not a substantial amount of meat on the birds after plucking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a guinea fowl and where do they originate from?

Guinea fowl are a group of ground-feeding birds native to Africa, known for their distinctive spotted plumage and loud calls. They belong to the family Numididae and are often found in warm grasslands and semi-arid regions. Originally from the African continent, they have been domesticated and are now found worldwide on farms and in backyards.

What do guinea fowl eat?

Guinea fowl are omnivorous birds with a diet that includes a wide variety of food sources. They feed on seeds, fruits, greens, and insects, making them excellent for pest control. Their foraging behavior helps them consume ticks, beetles, and other insects that can be harmful to gardens and agricultural land.

How do guinea fowl benefit farmers and gardeners?

Guinea fowl are valued by farmers and gardeners for their pest control abilities. They consume large quantities of insects, including ticks and garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, their loud calls can serve as a deterrent to small mammals and birds that might otherwise raid crops, providing a natural form of pest management.

Can guinea fowl fly and how do they behave?

While guinea fowl are primarily ground-dwelling birds, they are capable of short bursts of flight to escape predators or roost in trees. They are known for their social behavior, often moving in small flocks. Guinea fowl are also territorial and can be quite vocal, especially when alarmed, using their calls to communicate with the flock.

What is the lifespan of a guinea fowl?

Guinea fowl can live for approximately 10 to 15 years in captivity when provided with proper care. In the wild, their lifespan may be shorter due to predation and environmental factors. Their longevity in domestic settings makes them a long-term investment for those looking to integrate them into their farms or gardens.

Are guinea fowl kept for more than just pest control?

Yes, guinea fowl are kept for several reasons beyond pest control. They are also raised for their meat, which is lean and rich in flavor, and their eggs, which are smaller than chicken eggs but considered a delicacy in some cultures. Additionally, their unique appearance and entertaining behavior make them attractive as ornamental birds.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

lighth0se33

My neighbor two houses down the road from me has a flock of guinea fowl. They are a big traffic nuisance. They have no concept of the danger of the road, and the whole flock will suddenly strut across in front of my car. I have had to slam on my brakes several times to avoid hitting them.

This is probably the only issue I have with people letting guinea fowl roam free around their yards. The noises they make do not bother me, and I wouldn’t even mind if they wandered into my yard to chew on some insects. I just hate having to watch so closely for them whenever I drive past his house.

Oceana

My grandfather always kept guinea fowl around his farm. They were constantly pecking away at bugs. I remember being on the farm and never having much trouble with stings and bites from insects. I noticed a big difference in the bug population between his house and mine.

The birds always looked so funny, strutting forward with their necks outstretched and their beaks to the ground. They could move pretty quickly, too, and they seemed to travel as one unit, as though they were connected by an invisible rope.

Their feathers had that distinctive tiny gray and white dot pattern. It looked exactly like a dress my grandmother often wore to church. In fact, I believe that she got the idea for the dress from looking at the guinea feathers.

shell4life

I can’t imagine killing and eating something that you have kept around your yard that will warn you of intruders and help you out by eating insects! It sounds like a guinea makes itself into a pet, whether the owner intends it or not.

I could really use some guineas in my garden. Some kinds of bugs are eating holes in the leaves of my flowers, and I am thinking that guineas could help me out.

It would also be nice to have warning if someone is in the driveway. My friends often pop by unannounced, and guineas could give me enough notice to throw my hair in a ponytail or change out of pajamas quickly.

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    • Guinea fowl are birds native to Africa.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Guinea fowl are birds native to Africa.