Guineas make a very distinctive sound - constantly and at very high volume.  Some people love the sound of guineas.  Some people.... do not.  Before you buy your first guinea fowl, you may want to take the noise factor into consideration.

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Love 'em or Hate 'em

There just isn't much in between when it comes to guinea fowl.  

• They eat ticks
• They have beautiful feathers
• They make noise to alert you to danger
• They do not need a coop or shelter
• They prefer to free-range
• They are independent

• ​They get eaten
• They have hideous heads
• They make noise constantly
• They roost in stupid places 
• Their range is enormous
• They are not domesticated

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We are once again raising guineas, but hoping to correct some of the issues we had the first time around so that we can keep them around for years to come.

First of all, our flock is made up of guineas of only one color variety:  pearl.  In our first efforts at free-ranging we quickly discovered that the more striking color varieties - such as lavender or white - were the first to get picked off by predators.  The dark and dotted plumage of the pearl guinea blends in much better with undergrowth and makes them nearly imperceptible in tree tops.  

Next, we built a large enclosure for our main flock where they will be housed indefinitely for their safety.  We hope that eventually we will be able to select individuals for free-ranging as the flock grows and that the free-ranging flock will be compelled to stay closer to home and nearer their enclosed friends.  Mind you, this is a theory that is yet to be tested in the real world. ​But we are working on it.

We have not decided which guinea fowl camp we belong to.  Many years ago we had a flock of guinea fowl which we ultimately sold due to all the reasons in the right-hand column.  Today, however, we once again are raising guineas -- for all the reasons in the left-hand column.

I personally do like them.  They are funny, fascinating, and quite entertaining.  I always enjoyed looking out in the early morning to see them flocking about out on the green grass or chittering through underbrush in search of insects.  

However, the geography of our land is particularly ill-suited for keeping a flock of free-range guineas.  Situated on a very tall hill which is almost completely surrounded by a busy road, the original far-ranging guineas had eventually begun meandering out in front of speeding traffic at the bottom of the hill.  

In the meantime, we are enjoying having a flock again and are happy to share hatched keets with you as they become available.

I Do What I Want Guinea Mug

$11.00

Featuring our wild and free guinea fowl design on both sides. Make a statement.

Whether you're drinking your morning coffee, evening tea, or something in between – this mug's for you! It's sturdy and glossy with a vivid print that'll withstand the microwave and dishwasher.

• Ceramic
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• White and glossy

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