Guinea Fowl Care and Management Guide

Scientific name of the guinea fowl

Numida meleagris

Origin of guinea fowls

Africa

Most commonly raised breed of guinea fowl

Pearl guinea fowl

Key physical traits of Pearl guinea fowl

Gray plumage with white spots, Helmeted head, Bare neck, Upright posture

Advantages of raising guinea fowl

Hardy and low maintenance, Eat fewer commercial feeds, Excellent at pest control, Lean, flavorful meat

Disadvantages of raising guinea fowl

Very noisy, Tend to fly away unless trained, Poor natural brooders, Seasonal egg laying

Age guinea fowls begin laying

6-7 months

Average clutch size and egg laying pattern

20-30 eggs per clutch, laid seasonally

Incubation period for guinea fowl eggs

26-28 days

Average egg weight

Around 45 grams

Incubation ability of guinea hens

No, they are poor brooders and often abandon nests

Ideal breeding ratio for guinea fowl

1 male : 5 females

Duration keets should stay in a brooder

Until 3-4 weeks of age

Required brooder space per keet

0.1 m² = 1000 cm²

Space requirements in confinement for adult birds

0.2 to 0.3 m² = 2000-3000 cm² per bird

%CP requirements at different stages

Starter (0-4 wks): 24%, Grower (4-12 wks): 18-20%, Layer: 16%

Unique behavior of guinea fowl in housing and rearing

They must be trained early to recognize their home or they'll fly away and not return.

Major health concern in guinea fowl if poorly managed

Parasites and sensitivity to cold, leading to high chick mortality