PLAN No. 256. THE GUINEA FOWL
ANDREW S. WEIANT
Scientific Assistant in Poultry Investigations Animal Husbandry Division.
Contribution from the Bureau of Animal Industry
A. D. Melvin, Chief
For the following plan we are indebted to the U. S. Dept, of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
Guinea fowl are growing in favor as a substitute for game birds, with the result that guinea raising is becoming more profitable.
They are raised usually in small flocks on general farms, and need a large range for best results.
Domesticated guinea fowl are of three varieties, Pearl, White, and Lavender, of which the Pearl is by far the most popular.
Guinea fowl have a tendency to mate in pairs, but one male may be mated successfully with three or four females.
Guinea hens usually begin to lay in April or May, and lay 20 to 30 eggs before becoming broody. If not allowed to sit they will continue to lay throughout the summer, laying from 40 to 60 or more eggs.
Eggs may be removed from the nest when the guinea hen is not sitting, but two or more eggs should be left in the nest.
Ordinary hens are used commonly to hatch and rear guinea chicks, but guinea hens and turkey hens also may be employed successfully, although they are more difficult to manage.
Guineas are marketed late in the summer, when they weigh from 1 to 11⁄2 pounds at about 21⁄2 months of age, and also throughout the fall, when the demand is for heavier birds.