How many acres do you need for a guinea fowl?

two acres
They need a lot of space. Where urban farmers could potentially set up a coop in a mid-sized backyard, Guineas need one or two acres minimum—preferably more. That’s because, unlike chickens, Guineas are hardwired to run with a large crowd. “Guineas are not happy in small groups,” says Gibson. “They do best in a flock.

Can you have guinea fowl in Australia?

Guinea fowl meat is a delicacy. In Australia the main use for keeping guinea fowl is to eat bugs in vineyards and orchards.

Do guinea fowl have breeding season?

Guineas usually start laying in March or April and may continue to lay until October. A hen from a carefully managed flock may lay 100 or more eggs a year. Breeders generally produce well for two or three years.

Where do guinea fowl like to lay eggs?

The Guinea hens like to lay eggs in secluded nests on the ground. In season they will lay an egg a day coming home each night to roost as normal. Once there is a clutch of 20-30 eggs, a Guinea hen might decide to go broody, then she will stay on the nest.

How many guineas should be in a flock?

Generally speaking, you should buy at least 5-10 birds in order to provide an adequate social community for your guineas. The larger the group, the more the birds will feel secure and protected. Guinea fowl are social birds due to their status as prey animals.

Do guineas keep snakes away?

A flock of guineas will disrupt the snake’s habitat and deter them from coming around. Snakes like it calm and quiet. Guineas are neither. Guineas will notice a snake, but more often than not the flock, especially if it’s a young flock, will just surround the snake and “discuss” it, inspect it, but not eat it.

How old do guinea fowl have to be to lay eggs?

about 12 months
Females begin to lay eggs at about 12 months of age. Do you have a space for them through the winter months? Guineas will need adequate winter housing.

How long do Guinea fowl eggs stay fertile?

They should be incubated as soon as possible after laying. How old can an egg be and still successfully hatch? Fertility starts to decline fast after 10 days and hatch rates will suffer.

Do Guinea hens need nesting boxes?

Guineas Are Low Maintenance Birds. Guineas don’t have to have a coop. They forage for their food. Guineas don’t need nesting boxes.

Will Guineas lay eggs in a nest box?

Guineas do not usually lay their eggs inside the safety of a coop in nesting boxes. When given the chance, guinea hen eggs are generally laid outdoors in hidden areas that are most difficult to find. Regardless of the location of a nest, predators and exposure are a big concern.

What is a guinea fowl enemy?

What eats the guinea fowl? These birds have a long list of potential predators, including crocodiles, snakes, leopards, and other big cats. In a domestic setting, any predator that would attack a chicken would also attack them, including foxes, wolves, coyotes, and bears.