Guineas Fowl | Buff Guineas | guinea hens for sale
Guinea fowl, sometimes called “pet speckled hens” or “original fowl”) are birds of the family Numididae in the order Galliformes. They are endemic to Africa and rank among the oldest of the gallinaceous birds. Phylogenetically, they branched off from the core Galliformes after the Cracidae (chachalacas, guans, and curassows) and before the Odontophoridae (New World quail). An Eocene fossil lineage Telecrex has been associated with guineafowl; Telecrex inhabited Mongolia, and may have given rise to the oldest of the true phasianids, such as blood pheasants and eared pheasants, which evolved into high-altitude, montane-adapted species with the rise of the Tibetan Plateau. While modern guineafowl species are endemic to Africa, the helmeted guineafowl has been introduced as a domesticated bird widely elsewhere.
Description
The insect– and seed-eating, ground-nesting birds of this family resemble partridges, but with featherless heads, though both members of the genus Guttera have a distinctive black crest, and the vulturine guineafowl has a downy brown patch on the nape. Most species of guineafowl have a dark grey or blackish plumage with dense white spots, but both members of the genus Agelastes lack the spots. While several species are relatively well known, the plumed guineafowl and the two members of the genus Agelastes remain relatively poorly known. These large birds measure 40–71 cm (15+1⁄2–28 in) in length, and weigh 700–1,600 g (1 lb 9 oz–3 lb 8 oz). Guinea hens weigh more than guinea cocks, possibly because of the larger reproductive organs in the female compared to the male guinea fowl. Also, the presence of relatively larger egg clusters in the dual-purpose guinea hens may be a factor that contributes to the higher body weight of the guinea hens.
The Brown Guinea has dark brown plumage with white dots. Females are darker than the males. Guinea like to dine on insects, rodents, snakes & ticks.
Adult weight: 4 lbs.
Prolific layers of small dark eggs
These products being sold are live chicks or eggs.
- Our live chicks are shipped as soon as they are hatched.
- Availability of this item does not mean it ships immediately.
- This means that we are still taking orders for the season and that your order will be placed in line for the next available shipment.
- You will receive an email with your shipment date.
Are guinea hens good eating ?
Guinea Hen
Guinea hens for sale are popularity seems to be on the rise. They go by several names, but the most common are Guinea Fowl and Pet Speckled Hen.
These peculiar-looking birds are quite the talk of the town wherever they are seen. They are a strange-looking bird to be sure, once seen, never forgotten.
They are dramatically different from chickens in personality and habits. However, if the owner is prepared, they can make a wonderful bird.
They are not for everyone, but if you think you might be interested, keep reading to learn their history, how to care for them, egg-laying ability, expected temperament, and much more!
Types Of Guinea Hen
- White-breasted – mainly found in West Africa. Due to habitat loss, it is considered a vulnerable bird according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- Black – confined to central Africa.
- Vulturine – largest of the Guineas. Has a very striking appearance, can become quite tame. Needs large groups to thrive.
- Helmeted – most common ‘domesticated’ type. Has a central knob on the skull leading to the ‘helmet’ appearance.
- Plumed – little is known of this bird which is found mainly in central Africa.
- Crested – the most aggressive type; may chase people, including their owners. Has a ‘curly mop’ on the head.
Guinea fowl come in various colors, including pearl, white, royal purple, coral blue, buff, chocolate, and bronze, to name a few. However, not all of these colors are recognized by the official standards.
In the US, only the helmeted Guinea fowl is recognized. The colors of the bird that are recognized are lavender, pearl, and white.
Guinea Hen Egg Laying and Mothering Ability
Guinea fowl are seasonal layers. Depending on your location, they will lay daily between March/April to September/October; on average, a hen will lay around 100 eggs per season.
Their eggs are smaller than chicken eggs and are very hard-shelled. The eggs are light brown and speckled and are also vibrant eating.
Guineas aren’t fussy about where they lay an egg. Anywhere they happen to be will do.
However, when they decide to make a nest, you will be hard-pressed to find it! They prefer woods, long grass – anything that will hide them from predators.
The male will stand guard for the hen and watch for danger during the daylight hours.
Often Guineas are ‘communal’ layers, all laying in one nest until there are sufficient eggs. 50 is not unheard of! The hens can be communal brooders, too, taking turns in nest sitting.
If you want to collect the eggs for hatching or eating, it is best to keep them penned until around noontime – they should have laid by this time, making it much easier for you to collect them.
They will brood the eggs for 26-28 days until the keets hatch. They must then follow their mother back to the flock.
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