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Guineafowl, sometimes called Pintade, are a family of birds originating from Africa, related to other game birds such as the pheasants, turkeys and partridges, and having a long history of domestication, mainly involving the Helmeted Guineafowl.

A 3-day-old Keet

They lay 25-30 eggs in a deep, tapering nest. Their eggs are small, dark and extremely thick shelled. The hens have a habit of hiding their nests, and sharing it with other hens until large numbers of eggs have accumulated. The incubation period is 26-28 days, and the chicks are called "keets." As keets they are highly susceptible to dampness (they are indigenous to the drier/arid regions of Africa) and can die from following the mother through dewy grass. Though, after their first two to six weeks of growth, they can be some of the hardiest domestic land fowl.

An adolescent Lavender

Sexing the birds is not as simple as telling a rooster from a hen chicken. When they are adults, the helmet and wattles of the male are larger than those of the female, and only the female makes the two-note cry imitated as "Buck-wheat!" or "Pot-Rack!" Aside from that, however, the two sexes are mostly identical in appearance. As domestics, guineafowl are valuable pest controllers, eating many insects. They are especially beneficial in controlling the lyme disease-carrying deer tick, as well as wasp nests. While they are rarely kept in large numbers, a few are sometimes kept with other fowl to be used as a security system against birds of prey. They will call with their loud, high shrieking voices if concerned about intruders. They are highly social birds, and tend to languish when alone.

An adult "pied" helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris)

Within the domesticated species, many color variations have been created aside from the "pearl" or natural color of the Helmeted Guinea. These include White, Purple, Slate, Chocolate, Lavender, and Coral blue as well as Bronze, Pewter, Buff Dundotte, Blonde and even various Pieds.

A braised guinea hen with truffles in the French manner

It can be cooked using any recipe that calls for chicken but is considered to be more flavorful and, because of its higher cost, is generally served at special occasions. It is particularly common in French cuisine.

[edit] References

• Madge and McGowan,Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse ISBN 0-7136-3966-0
• J.S. Ferguson, Gardening with Guineas ISBN 0-7392-0250-2 Comprehensive discussion of all aspects of raising domesticated guineafowl.

[edit] External links

• Worlds largest source for Guineafowl Links to a guinea fowl message board, chat room, guinea fowl book, hundreds of photographs and free information about raising guineas.
• The Guinea Fowl Breeders Association (GFBA) Established 1998 and has wide international membership, is part of the guineafowl webring and has comprehensive information about Guinea Fowl.
• Guinea Fowl International Association (GFIA) Worldwide nonprofit organization, based in Texas, USA, providing support and information to those interested in the keeping and breeding of guinea fowl. Forum, breeders list, color chart, and latest news about domesticated guinea fowl.