4 Reasons Why You Should Raise Guinea Fowls With Your Chickens

While the cost of farm fresh and organic eggs continues to rise, it has become increasingly popular to keep and raise chickens in backyards. Chickens and roosters are manageable in comparison to other farm animals, and the continuous production of eggs is a big selling point.

Whether you already have your own flock or are debating one in the future, consider adding a few guinea fowls to the group for more reasons than one.

Guinea fowls, commonly known as guinea hens and guineas, are a low-maintenance but beneficial addition to your coop and backyard. Guinea fowl flocks can be found in nature among the rhinos of Africa. The birds eat ticks and other insects from the skin of their rhino friends, and the large beasts serve as protectors for the birds who could be targeted by larger predators.

Read on to learn more about the guinea fowl and why you should consider raising them alongside your chickens.

1. Natural Pest Control

Guinea fowls love to snack on bugs, insects, vermin, and other pests that may be plaguing your backyard and animals. They are particularly fond of the dreaded tick which is increasing in numbers around the United States and can be incredibly dangerous to humans and animals.

This fact alone has encouraged people to find a space for guinea fowls in their yard. Managing ticks without harsh chemicals can be tricky and is sometimes ineffective.

Additionally, guinea fowls do not scratch and forage for insects the same way that chickens do. Chickens aggressively scratch and dig in soft areas in search of insects that live beneath the earth which can be problematic for gardens and flower beds.

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Guinea fowls, on the other hand, tend to forage for insects and bugs that are above ground which causes less damage. Weeds and flowers are also a larger part of a guinea fowl diet which requires them to scratch and dig less. So in general, guinea fowls are less likely to damage your garden or landscaping while foraging.

Guinea fowls eat:

• Ticks
• Crickets
• Mice and other small vermin
• Flies
• Small reptiles, such as snakes and scorpions

2. Eggs

Guinea fowls do not lay eggs as often as chickens, but they do lay heavily at different times throughout the year. Guinea fowls lay eggs regularly from spring to fall. They can produce anywhere from 80 to 150 eggs per year. In comparison, chickens have been known to produce approximately 320 eggs per year.

While guinea fowls do produce eggs less regularly than chickens, the eggs tend to be richer in flavor, making them a delicious addition to the homestead.

3. They Will Be Backyard Protectors

Utilizing their loud, alarm-like cry as a deterrent to predators, guinea fowls can act as backyard protectors for your chicken flock. A small group of guinea fowls will often make such a ruckus that their owners are alerted of danger right away. This is the perfect opportunity to scare away unwanted visitors.

Related Post: 7 Chicken Predators And How To Protect Your Flock

Unfortunately, a flock of chickens is often an easy and frequent target when it comes to predators. From low flying hawks to foxes, minks, weasels, raccoons, and even stray dogs, there’s no shortage of predators when it comes to chickens. They are not flyers and they aren’t very fast. Additionally, chickens will roost at dusk which is when many predators make their move.

4. They’re Helpful In the Garden

Guinea fowls are natural weed killers and fertilizers. They will have your yard thriving in no time.

Tips For Integrating Guinea Fowls With Your Chickens

Guinea fowls are naturally dominant and will likely take over the coop by asserting themselves in any altercation. Guinea fowls are different from chickens, but the males will still fight with roosters, especially during mating season. This shouldn’t dissuade you from adding them to your flock.

Follow these tips to integrate the two species with minimal problems:

• Raise the birds together as small chicks. The two species will acclimate early on and get used to each other.
• It’s best to not let the dominating guinea fowls outnumber your chickens. The chickens could feel a constant threat and become overstressed.
• Unlike chickens, guinea fowls can actually fly. Keep that in mind when building or purchasing a coop.
• Owners cannot raise one guinea fowl alone even in a flock of chickens. They are naturally social animals and will likely die if they are secluded from other guinea fowls.
• You may want to have separate coops while allowing the two species to interact during the day or around the yard.
• Introduce the animals slowly, perhaps one at a time, to avoid too much stress.
• Guinea fowls do not like to be moved from coop to coop. Moving the birds too often could encourage them to wander off.

Freelance writer Marlene Ridgway, grew up in rural West Virginia cooking, keeping chickens, stacking firewood, picking blueberries, and gardening.