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Pearl Guinea

The Pearl Guinea is the classic spotted guinea fowl: gray body with white 'pearl' polka dots, blue-and-red bare head, excellent foragers, exceptional alarm callers. The 'security system that pays for itself in ticks' bird.

About this breed

Quick facts: Pearl Guinea

OriginWest Africa - domesticated 1500+ years ago
Conservation statusCommon
Adult weight3-4 lb adults
Size classStandard
Eggs per year~80
Egg colorCream with brown speckles
Egg sizeSmall-Medium
BroodinessMedium (poor mothers)
Cold hardinessExcellent
Heat toleranceExcellent
Noise levelVery vocal
Flight tendencyStrong flier - roost high
Beginner friendlyNo

History & origin

Native to West Africa (Numida meleagris). Domesticated by ancient Egyptians and Greeks - wall paintings depict them at 1500 BCE. Romans imported them as 'African birds.' Brought to the Americas via slave trade in the 1600s. Pearl variety is by far the most common; over 20 color varieties exist globally including White, Lavender, Coral Blue, Pied, and Royal Purple.

Personality & temperament

alertloudhardyforagingflock-bound

Best for: tick control, alarm system, pest control, farm yard

Eggs & laying

Pointy-end eggs with thick shells. Hens lay communally in hidden 'dump nests'.

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space4 sq ft per bird
Run space15 sq ft per bird
Roost bar12 in per bird

Space: Imprint as keets (chicks) on a specific coop - they return there at sundown.

Feeding: Game bird starter 28% protein first 6 weeks; layer 16% after.

Health: Carry blackhead resistance - safer than chickens around heritage turkeys.

Climate: Zones 4-10. Tolerate extreme cold AND heat - true African origin.

Buying tips

  • Buy KEETS (chicks) - they imprint on their home location at 6-8 weeks.
  • Adult guineas brought to a new property often leave permanently.
  • Mix-sex flock recommended; males bond with each other and patrol the yard.
  • Confirm true Pearl variety - 'Pearl-Pied' is similar but has more white.

Did you know?

  • One pair of guineas eats roughly 10,000 ticks per acre per season.
  • Native to West Africa - tolerate both extreme cold AND extreme heat.
  • Naturally resist blackhead disease, making them good farm companions to heritage turkeys.
  • Loud alarm calls scare hawks, snakes, and other predators away from chicken coops.

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