The Guinea fowl is endemic to Africa, however, it has gained a lot of popularity and due to this we can find it in practically, all the world. They have a very particular pattern on their feathers, although due to the existence of many similar species, there is some confusion when it comes to identifying the true guineafowl, something that we will try to clarify in this article. Do you know that one of the main reasons for this geographical expansion is the ability of guinea fowl to control insect populations in a natural and environmentally friendly way?
Find out everything about the guinea fowl in this tab on our site, in which we will talk about its origins, characteristics and reproduction among many other details. Read on to find out!
Origin of the guinea fowl
Guinea fowl, also known as common guinea fowl or gray guineafowl, receives in some places the popular name of coquena or cocóna, although its scientific name is numida meleagris. These hens originate from the African continent, specifically from the central part of it.
Although they are currently also found in European countries such as Italy or France, Asian countries and in both North and South America, as well as on the islands of the Antilles or Madagascar. Although these hens live in the wild state in the countries from which they originate, they have been highly valued for centuries as domestic hens. More and more people have chickens, in this case guinea fowl, as pets.
Physical characteristics of the guinea fowl
Guinean fowl are medium-sized hens, whose average length is between 53 and 63 centimeters, weighing between 3.3 and 4 kilograms in roosters and slightly less, 2.6 and 3.3 in hens. Its body is ovoid in shape, with a tail tilted towards the ground and a stylized neck. Its head is small in size and is crowned by a reddish pyramidal horn cap. The legs are greyish in color and the thumb is raised. The feathers, which are the most characteristic feature of the breed, are pearl gray or bluish gray, with round white spots. Its skin is also white, although it has a bluish tone on the head, where it has black spots.
Guinea fowl behavior and character
Guinea fowl are exotic birds that have become popular because they have a number of capabilities that make them highly desired. These lie in its ability to consume insects without ruining the plants and vegetation of the place. For this reason they have become one of the most optimal pest control methods, since they do not kill all the insects but they do regulate their populations, at the same time that they do not damage the plant ecosystem of the area.
In addition, they are famous for being " guardian hens" because they are alert at all times, warning with their cries in the presence of any threatening stimulus. And in addition to warning, they do not hesitate to face anything, because they are very brave and maybe even a little arrogant.
In the wild they live in groups of about 20-25 individuals, with rivalry between the males and fighting between them. They usually travel long distances, but always running, because although they can fly short distances they can travel more than 10 km a day running During the nesting season the pairs separate of the flock, which they rejoin at the end of this period.
Guinea fowl reproduction
This breed of hen is one of those known as birds monogamous, because when they have a partner it is for life. That is, each male only copulates with the female that is his partner, so if we have several, it is recommended that there be an equal number of males and females. To choose a mate, a courtship ritual is followed, in which the rooster woos several females to increase his chances. When the female accepts, they can begin to breed, copulation occurs, which will later lead to spawning.
Guinea fowls lay between 160 and 180 eggs a yearThese eggs will be deposited in a nest built by the hens on the ground, looking for a flat place with vegetation. Each clutch is made up of 7-17 eggs and will be incubated by the hen for 25-30 days, at which point the eggs begin to hatch. When they hatch, the chicks (named keets) will be cared for by their mother until they are mature enough to start fending for themselves. During this period, the mother will be in charge of searching for and providing food and protection for her young
Guinea fowl as a pet
Be it because of how appreciated they are for the quality of their eggs and meat, as well as for their prized feathers, something that has made these hens domesticated for centuries in Africa, because of their skills, it is not uncommon to find guinea fowl on farms and in homes. If we want to have one of these hens in our home, we need to know all their needs and requirements.
These hens are omnivorous, therefore, their diet should contain both food of animal and vegetable origin, although the latter in greater proportion. Within animal food we find the insects, which can be collected by themselves in the garden or land where they live, otherwise we have to give it to them. In plant food there are multiple sources such as fruits, tubers, grains, seeds or flowers
These hens have the habit of sleeping in trees or high places, so it is recommended that in their enclosure or garden where they live there are trees or platforms for this purpose. They are a good choice if we want chickens but we also care about keeping our garden or our plants in good condition, since they are very respectful and will not destroy our precious flowers and crops.
