New Zealand Introduced Animals > Helmeted Guinea Fowl

Helmeted Guinea Fowl

Introduced

ORIGIN: Guinea fowl, as the name suggests, originated from Africa. There are four species, all of which are confined to south of the Sahara. The helmeted variety is common from Chad to the Rift Valley, south to Zaire, Kenya and Uganda in open grasslands.

BREED DISCRIPTION: Guinea fowl are about two-thirds the size of chickens. The horney “Helmet” on top of their naked heads distinguishes the helmeted from other species. They are capable of flight, but prefer to forage and nest on the ground. They are noisey and gregarious birds. Their abrasive cackles are only silenced by nightfall, which can be a relief as they do travel in flocks of up to 2000 birds.

USE IN NEW ZEALAND: This bird has been domesticated all over the world and used as a food source.

GENERAL: All Guinea fowl are ground dwelling opportunistic feeders. In the wild they often follow troops of monkeys to feed on fallen fruit. Birds lay 6-19 eggs; the female incubates the eggs, which hatch in 24-30 days.


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