If you want a docile, egg laying, backyard bird – get a chicken. If you want a harder working, active and exciting bird, this African native bird might be for you. In no particular order, here are a few of my favorite reasons why we raise guinea fowl…
Are guinea fowl good for insect control?
Guinea Fowl don’t JUST eat ticks. They eat flies, ants, beetles, moths, and spiders in addition to ticks. Ticks are carriers of lyme disease. Should you choose to keep them for pest control, restrict their “feed”.
Do guinea fowl make good guard birds?
They make better guard dogs than our dogs. Who needs a door bell when a guinea fowl will sound the alarm well before your visitors reach the door? FedEx will no longer deliver to our house. Our Dory would attack their tires and block the driveway. Definitely territorial. She’s not smart but fierce.
Do guinea fowl eat snakes and small rodents?
Small snakes and rodents are not fond of Guinea Fowl with their nosy, loud and territorial behavior. Even you would run. Guinea will eat a smaller snake but will more likely dazzle you with an exciting dance worthy of a TikTok following encircling the snake in a bewitching cacophony. Snakes don’t like vibrations so this noise happy bird is a great deterrent. Small rodents make for a filling treat.
Are Guinea Fowl cuddly birds?
Traditionally, no. However, our first guinea fowl was hatched from an incubator and her sole sibling, sadly didn’t survive. Miss Dory, is very cuddly and will go as far as to sleep on a lap, perch on an arm and groom you (ouch!)
Are Guinea Fowl like chickens?
No. These birds are louder than chickens, think they are Conquistadors in that all land they see, is theirs. Never hold them like a chicken, by the legs. Their legs are fragile and can break easily.
Can you raise Guinea Fowl with other animals?
Guinea Fowl are very fragile in their first few months. You can raise them with chicken chicks but they will quickly rule the roost! Be every watchful when they are young and introducing to your dogs and cats. We lost one young guinea to a dog’s warning snip. Once they reach 6 weeks of age, they have less chance of diseases than chickens and are almost non-destructible. Free-range living is best for these feathered African predators. You’ll find them in your trees, on the barn and on your roof peaking in your bedroom window–Good morning!
Are Guinea Fowl smart birds?
No. I will tell anyone, the Dodo bird had to be smarter. They will die in the dumbest ways. If they don’t know early on, where “home” is, they will just keep going. Wandering off into the wilds. And right into some predator. They have zero fear. Cars, dogs, coyote, you name it. I have no doubt they will walk right into a larger predators mouth.
What do you feed Guinea Fowl?
You shouldn’t. When they are young hatchlings and growing into their feathers, they need 28% protein feed, like Turkey Starter Feed. Cracked corn, sunflower seeds and millet seeds are all yummy snacks. If you teach them and allow them to free range (once a bit older) they will source their own meals. Treats are a great way to reinforce home and that YOU are “flock”.
Are Guinea Fowl child friendly?
Sadly, no. They don’t like to be held, pet or chased. Unless you want them to chase your kids to encourage some exercise. Here is my first attempt at a Can you eat Guinea Fowl? I wouldn’t because I love this silly bird, but I hear it is really good. Female Guinea Hens lay quite a few eggs which are higher in protein than chicken eggs. This article might interest you as well.