Guinea fowl are kept in small-scale and commercial farming systems globally but have welfare needs relating to their highly active, social, and range-dependent lifestyle.
Guinea fowl are among the most challenging domesticated birds to keep in intensive systems. They have strong flight instincts and become highly stressed when confined. Feather pecking and cannibalism are common welfare problems in intensive units. Their natural range of several kilometers per day cannot be replicated in confinement. Guinea fowl are cold-sensitive despite being African in origin, requiring shelter in temperate climates. Commercial production has increased in Europe with some concerns about adaptation to intensive conditions. Their status as a farm animal in many countries means they receive fewer welfare protections than chickens despite similar sentience. Extensive systems with outdoor access significantly improve their welfare outcomes.