About the Guinea Fowl

Guinea fowl are distinctive, active birds known for their spotted plumage, loud calls and exceptional ability to forage. Originally descended from wild African guinea fowl, they retain many strong natural behaviours and are highly social birds that prefer to live in groups.

Deb’s guinea fowl are maintained as a free-ranging mixed-colour flock, consisting predominantly of Pearl and Pied birds with some Lavender. Because the colours run together, the colour of individual keets cannot be guaranteed.

They are independent birds that range widely, forage extensively and choose their own nesting sites. Guinea hens commonly hide communal nests in vegetation and other secluded locations.

History & Origin

Domestic guinea fowl are descended from the Helmeted Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris), which is native to Africa. Guinea fowl have been kept by people for thousands of years and were known in the ancient Mediterranean world before later becoming established as domestic poultry across Europe and other parts of the world.

Unlike chickens, guinea fowl have retained many behaviours associated with their wild ancestors. They are strong flyers, highly social, range widely when free-ranging and often prefer to roost in elevated locations. Hens also commonly seek secluded nesting sites, where several females may contribute eggs to the same nest.

The familiar Pearl colouring closely resembles the natural plumage of their wild ancestors, while domestic breeding has produced additional colour varieties including Pied and Lavender, all of which are represented in Deb’s free-ranging flock.

Guinea Fowl in Australia

Guinea fowl have been kept in Australia for many generations and are particularly well suited to larger properties and free-range environments. They are commonly kept as ornamental poultry, for meat and eggs, and for their active foraging habits.

Their loud, distinctive alarm calls make them useful farmyard warning birds. A flock will often react noisily to unfamiliar people, predators and disturbances, and may alert property owners to the presence of foxes, snakes and other potential threats.

Guinea fowl are active, vocal birds that naturally range over a considerable area and can also be strong flyers. For this reason, they are generally better suited to larger rural properties than small hobby farms or suburban areas, particularly where close neighbours may be affected by their noise or wandering.

When free-ranging, guinea fowl may establish their own preferred roosting and nesting areas rather than consistently using conventional poultry housing.

Pearl is the most familiar colour seen in Australia, with other domestic colours including Pied and Lavender also kept by Australian breeders.

Characteristics

Egg colour: Cream to light brown, usually finely speckled or mottled with darker brown markings. Guinea fowl eggs have a characteristically thick, hard shell.

Egg size: Small.

Average egg production: Approximately 80–150 eggs per year, with laying strongly seasonal and usually concentrated through the warmer months.

Weekly egg figures are annual averages. Actual laying varies with age, season, daylight, nutrition and individual bird.

Day-old sexing: Guinea fowl keets cannot be reliably sexed by colour or markings. As they mature, males and females can often be distinguished by differences in their calls and, to a lesser extent, their head furnishings.

Temperament: Active, alert, highly social and independent. Guinea fowl prefer to live in groups and can be nervous or flighty compared with chickens. Free-ranging birds may cover considerable distances.

Broodiness: Hens may become broody, often choosing well-hidden outdoor nests. Several hens may lay in the same nest, resulting in large clutches before incubation begins.

Notable features: Guinea fowl eggs are distinctive, with a rounded broad end and a noticeably narrow, pointed end, giving them a more triangular or pear-shaped appearance than most chicken eggs. They also have unusually thick, hard shells, providing excellent physical protection but making them considerably harder to crack. Guinea fowl are strong flyers, capable foragers and extremely vocal alarm birds.

Hardiness: Guinea fowl are generally hardy and well adapted to free-ranging conditions. They tolerate heat well when provided with shade and water, but require dry shelter from prolonged cold and wet conditions. Their strong ranging and flying behaviour makes secure confinement more difficult than with most domestic chickens.

Rare Breed Status

Not currently listed as rare varieties by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia.

Current Availability

See what’s currently available from Deb’s Heritage Hens.