Guinea Fowl for sale in the Netherlands

Guinea fowl: behaviour and suitability

The group moves and rests almost as one unit and calls loudly when disturbed. Alone or in a small group guinea fowl become unsettled. Mixing with chickens does not replace their own flock. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Provide extensive walking room, high perches, dry night shelter, dust bath and multiple feeding points. Settle young birds long enough before considering free range and plan noise in relation to neighbours. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

Inspect legs, breathing, weight and flock behaviour and ask about age and sex. Do not buy a small remnant group and prevent ranging birds facing traffic or predation. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.