Guinea fowl | Facts & Information

The family Numididae, to which guinea fowl belong, is represented by several species, which populate all of Africa, Madagascar, southern Sahara, India and southern France. The two major genera of the family are Numida and Guttera.

In general, the birds of the guinea fowl family are massive, without Spurs to the legs, with the head and upper part of the neck more or less empty, with a powerful beak, which they use both to defend themselves and to attack.

Guinea fowls also called picherites, are massive animals, it is a heavy breed that reaches the weight of 5 kg. Guinea fowls (or picherites) are close relatives of chickens, turkeys and quails.

Guinea fowl is native to Africa.

Feeding Guinea Fowl

It is not advisable for guinea fowls to be kept in the same place as other domesticated species, because they drive away the rest of the birds from feeding.

Their food consists of insects, herbs, fruits and seeds.

Features Guinea Fowl

Common guinea fowls are large birds reaching up to 53-58 cm, with a round body and small head. They have dark gray plumage, streaked with white spots. The head of the golas is provided with a bony helmet, yellow or reddish.

The scalp has red and blue spots. The wings are short and round, the tail is also short. Guinea fowls live in large groups, except only during the rut period, when they isolate themselves in pairs.

Quite widespread in Romania, domestic guinea fowl have as ancestor red beaded guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). They are very similar to partridges and never associate with the other birds in the household.

They run fast and prefer bushes where they hide and look for food. There are many varieties of color, the best known being pearl gray. It is especially appreciated for eggs with a low cholesterol content.

Guinea fowl are bred especially for their high quality meat, which is considered a delicacy. The annual egg production is 60-90 pieces, the average weight of eggs is 45 g.they have a hard shell, pigmented and finely sprinkled with brown spots, and a pleasant taste.

Breeding Guinea Fowl

Their breeding is efficient on large spaces or in intensive systems, with the assurance of breeding in batteries and raising chicks on bedding. To ensure a high percentage of fertilized eggs, the Sex Ratio should be 1 male to 5-7 females. They lay their eggs in hidden places, harvesting them finely quite heavy.

Guinea fowl meat strengthens bone immunity and cleanses blood, doctors say. Compared to chickens or other birds, guinea fowls are much more resistant to diseases or parasites of all kinds.

Guinea fowl eggs are light grey, smaller than chicken eggs and weigh 43-48 grams.

They have a pear shape, with thick bark and strength. They withstand transportation over long distances and retain their taste qualities for half a year, if stored at a temperature of 0 to +10 degrees C, contain vitamin A, do not cause allergic reactions in both children and adults.

One egg contains as many calories as four chicken eggs. Guinea fowls begin to lay eggs at the age of six months. For one season one female lays 100-150 eggs.

Guinea fowl are raised and fed mostly like chickens.

A meat guinea fowl at three months weighs between 2 kg and 2.5 kg, and at maturity 4 – 5 kg.

Guinea fowls are kept in families of four females per male. Youth can be distinguished by genera at the age of five months. Males have larger heads and whiter feathers.