Guinea fowl can be a quirky and beneficial addition to your farm. But raising them comes with surprises I wish I’d known beforehand.
Expect challenges, from loud calls to their wild nature. Learning these lessons upfront will save you from some hard-earned frustrations.
The list covers the most unexpected and frustrating aspects of raising guinea fowl. We focused on practical experiences to help you avoid the pitfalls I encountered.
1. Guinea Fowl Are Loud
One of the first things you’ll notice about guinea fowl is that they are incredibly vocal. They have a variety of calls that they use to communicate with each other, and they aren’t shy about using them. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful bird, guinea fowl may not be the right choice for you.
2. They Are Great at Pest Control
Guinea fowl are known for their ability to control pests like ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects. They are voracious eaters and will happily spend their days foraging for bugs in your yard or garden. If you’re looking for a natural way to keep pests under control, guinea fowl may be the answer.
3. Guinea Fowl Are Not the Best Egg Layers
While guinea fowl do lay eggs, they are not the most prolific layers. On average, a guinea hen will lay around 100 eggs per year, which is significantly less than a chicken. If your primary goal is egg production, you may want to consider other poultry options.
4. They Can Be Difficult to Contain
Guinea fowl are known for their ability to fly and their tendency to roam. If you’re planning to keep your guinea fowl contained, you’ll need to provide them with a secure enclosure that includes a roof. Even then, there’s a chance that they may escape and wander off.
5. Guinea Fowl Are Not the Most Affectionate Birds
If you’re looking for a cuddly, affectionate bird, guinea fowl may not be the best choice. While they can become tame with regular handling, they are generally not as friendly or social as other poultry, like chickens or ducks.
6. They Have Unique Dietary Needs
Guinea fowl have different dietary needs than other poultry. In addition to a balanced feed, they require access to grit to help them digest their food properly. They also benefit from a diet that includes plenty of insects and greens.
7. Guinea Fowl Are Hardy Birds
Despite their unique needs, guinea fowl are generally hardy birds that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and conditions. They are native to Africa and can handle heat and humidity well, but they can also adapt to colder climates with proper shelter.
8. They Have a Unique Appearance
Guinea fowl have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other poultry. They have a round body and a small head for their size. Their head is featherless, with a crest on the top and bright red “waddles” around their face. They also have spotted feathers that give them a unique, almost polka-dotted look.
9. Guinea Fowl Meat Is Delicious
While guinea fowl may not be the best egg layers, their meat is highly prized for its flavor and texture. Guinea fowl meat tastes like wild game, much like pheasant meat, and is darker than chicken’s. It is also leaner and higher in protein than other poultry.
10. They Are Good Watchdogs
Guinea fowl are known for alerting their owners to potential threats. They have a loud, distinctive call that warns the flock of danger, whether it’s a predator or an unexpected visitor. If you’re looking for a natural security system, guinea fowl may be a good choice.
11. Guinea Fowl Can Live a Long Time
Guinea fowl can live for up to 15 years or more with proper care and nutrition. If you decide to bring guinea fowl into your flock, you’ll need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.
12. They Require Proper Shelter
Like any poultry, guinea fowl require proper shelter to protect them from the elements and predators. They need a secure coop or hutch with a place to roost at night and lay their eggs. Providing them plenty of outdoor space to roam and forage during the day is also important.
13. Guinea Fowl Are Social Birds
Guinea fowl are social birds that do best when kept in groups of at least three or more. They have a strong flock mentality and can become stressed or aggressive if kept alone or in pairs. If you’re considering guinea fowl, be prepared to bring home a small flock.
14. They Have Unique Mating Habits
Guinea fowl have unique mating habits that can catch new owners off guard. During mating season, males chase females and may even become aggressive towards their owners. It’s important to be aware of these behaviors and keep your birds and yourself safe.
15. Guinea Fowl Are Not for Everyone
While guinea fowl can be a great addition to any homestead or farm, they are not the right choice for everyone. They require specialized care and attention, and their unique behaviors and needs may not fit every owner well. Before bringing guinea fowl home, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared for the commitment.
31 Venomous Animals You Should Avoid at All Costs
Many people confuse venomous and poisonous animals, but these terms are not the same. Poisonous animals release toxins when touched or ingested, while venomous creatures deliver toxins through bites or stings. Venom varies greatly among species, with some animals developing specialized methods to defend themselves or catch prey.
The danger of a venomous animal is often measured using the lethal dose 50% (LD50) metric, which shows how much venom is needed to kill half of a group of lab mice. The LD50 helps understand venom’s potency, but factors like the amount of venom injected and the physical trauma caused are also important. From jellyfish tentacles to snake fangs, these adaptations can be deadly. Here are 31 venomous animals you should avoid at all costs.
Beyond the Spinning Wheel: 12 Unexpected and Practical Ways to Utilize Wool
Wool is a wonderfully versatile material that goes far beyond traditional spinning. Known for its durability and warmth, wool can be used in numerous creative and practical ways around your homestead. This list will explore some of the lesser-known uses for wool that can enhance your self-sufficiency and make everyday life a bit easier. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, these ideas will help you get the most out of every fleece.
55 Unbelievable Animals Who Are Extreme Survival Wizards
Survival in the wild is no easy task. Animals must deal with tough environments and dangerous predators every day. To stay alive, many animals have developed special abilities and behaviors. However, a few have taken it to the next level with some truly amazing survival skills. In this post, I’ll introduce you to my top 55 animals that have mastered the art of survival with some of the most extreme adaptations you can imagine!
