Guinea Fowl

I think we added guinea fowl to the mix around 2011.  We have had quite a few -ahem- hens pass through, in a quest to acquire the quietest ones.  The cocks we've had, on the other hand, have amounted to only a small handful.  The first three, Biscuit, Bisquick, and Seabiscuit, were the best; two died from a predator attack and one from unknown causes. The two hens we currently have were perfect when we had a cock for them.  Unfortunately, the last two cocks, Mr. Handsome and Polar, we had were attacking and sometimes killing the young chickens so they went on a date to freezer camp.  In addition, Mr. Handsome was attacking us humans too.   Mr. Handsome was such a fine-looking guinea; it really was too bad he turned out to be an aggressive fellow. Polka Dot and Polo also started up with the same bad behavior so now they are out free-ranging with the bantam coop birds and they all get along fine.  Polka Dot, named after another guinea hen, Polka, which I lost to a bobcat.  Polka Dot and Polo were quite noisy  this spring due to being without a cock during breeding season but have since quieted down.  Breeding season for them will be over around September.  Unless we move, Polka Dot and Polo will probably be our last guineas to have around.  This is Polo when she was first introduced to Mr. Handsome.  She just pretended to ignore him whenever he came near. 

I have loved having the guineas around.   They are a high-strung bird and very difficult to tame but I enjoy watching them strut around the yard in their pretty plumage. They really are a wonderful bird to have if you educate and prepare yourself in regards to their behavior, feeding, and other needs.   Pictured below is Seabiscuit on his first day home.