Welfare of Companion Guinea Fowl and Other Unusual Poultry

Guinea fowl and other unusual poultry species kept on small farms have specialized welfare needs often misunderstood by novice keepers.

Key Facts

Guinea fowl are loud, flocking birds naturally found in African savannas
They are excellent tick and insect predators making them popular on farms
Guinea fowl kept without large free-ranging space become highly stressed
They roost in trees and cannot be kept securely indoors without distress
Their high vocal output causes problems with neighbors in residential areas

Welfare Considerations

Guinea fowl in inadequate housing situations suffer from frustration of their strong ranging and flocking drives. Kept in small enclosures they become highly agitated. Their tree-roosting instinct means they are stressed by forced indoor housing. Isolated guinea fowl panic and call persistently. As essentially wild birds domesticated only superficially, their welfare needs are closer to wild birds than to domesticated poultry and require much more space and freedom than most keepers anticipate.

What You Can Do

Research guinea fowl needs thoroughly before acquiring them
Provide large free-ranging areas with tree-roosting opportunities
Keep guinea fowl in flocks of at least six for social welfare
Consult experienced guinea fowl keepers before starting a flock