Guinea fowl are raised in significant numbers globally, particularly in West Africa and France, yet receive far less welfare research attention than chickens or turkeys.
Guinea fowl are semi-domesticated species that retain many wild behavioral drives, making intensive confinement particularly problematic. They are prone to feather pecking and cannibalism under crowded conditions. Fear responses are more pronounced than in commercial chickens, causing welfare problems during handling and transport. Mortality rates in commercial systems are often high due to disease and management challenges. More welfare research specific to this species is urgently needed.