business plan for guinea fowl production

Guinea Fowl Farming – 11 Simple Steps for Beginners To Start

• Pinterest 150

Guinea fowl farming is not a new business idea. Many poultry farmers in Africa are doing Guinea Fowl farming business successfully, mainly for making profits. Both price and demand of these birds are good.

The guinea fowl are poultry birds originating from Africa. They are also sometimes called as guineas , pintades or gleanies . They were actually wild birds and the modern birds are the domesticated form of the helmeted Guinea Fowl.

And they are related to other game birds such as the turkeys , partridges and pheasants. There is evidence that domestic Guinea Fowl were present in Greece by the 5th century BC, although the exact timing of their domestication is unknown.

The guinea fowl are very hardy, vigorous and largely disease-free birds. They are increasingly popular among the keepers of small and backyard flocks. Currently they are available not only in Africa, but also found and popular throughout the world.

People prefer guinea fowl farming for many reasons. The guineas sound an alarm whenever anything unusual occurs on the farm, and the loud sound has also been shown to discourage rodents from invading the area. Some people find this to be a nuisance, but others find it to be an effective tool for protecting the farm .

The guineas are also an effective means of pest control. The flocks of guineas generally will kill and eat mice and small rats. They can also be used for controlling insects, without affecting garden vegetables or flowers. They are used for controlling wood ticks and insects such as crickets, grasshoppers and flies.

There are also some downfalls of guinea fowl farming. They are noisy, so your neighbors might not appreciate your new flock. Guineas generally much prefer to roam freely, although they can be kept confined. The more space you have to allow your birds to roam, the happier they will be.

In most cases, the guineas are not as tame as the chickens and they are hard to catch if you let them roam. However, read some more information about guinea fowl farming below.

Table of Contents

What Are The Importance/Advantages of Guinea Fowl Farming Business?

Guinea fowl farming is not a new business idea. People are raising them as domestic poultry birds from the ancient time. It is a good poultry bird and raising these birds is relatively easy. Here we are trying to describe the top advantages of guinea fowl farming business.

• It’s not a new business, and many people are already raising guinea fowls for making profits, and also for producing food.
• Guinea fowls are relatively strong and hardy birds as compared to many other domestic poultry birds. So, raising and caring them is relatively easy.
• Guineas are relatively smaller sized birds, so they will require less housing space. And their accommodation costs are relatively less.
• As they are very strong and hardy, so they suffer less by diseases or other health problems.
• You can feed them with almost everything what you can manage easily.
• Commercial production is very profitable. And it can be a good employment source for the educated unemployed people.
• Demand of guinea fowl products is good. So, you don’t have to worry much about marketing your products.
• You can enjoy fresh guinea fowl meat or eggs if you start your own guinea fowl farming business.

How to Start Guinea Fowl Farming Business?

Steps for staring guinea fowl farming business is almost similar to other poultry birds, such as chickens . But before staring a flock, you must check local zoning regulations to make sure that raising gamebird is permitted.

Checking this is important specially when starting guinea fowl farming, because they will range and cross the boundaries of a small lot. They are generally pretty quiet, but can be very noisy if disturbed.

They are generally more active than the chickens and not tamed easily, and they seem to retain some of their wild behavior. However, read the steps for starting guinea fowl farming business carefully.

Step 1: Learn Practically

First of all, try to learn more about this business practically before starting. You can learn more about this business from any of your nearest breeders or farmers who are raising these birds. Having practical knowledge is very important in this business. So, try to visit as many farms as you can before starting.

Step 2: Make an Effective Business Plan

Making a good and effective business plan is very important. Because an effective business plan helps to run the business smoothly. So, make a good business plan and try to include everything in your plan from starting to marketing. You can ask for help from an expert if you are a beginner in this business.

Step 3: Select a Good Location

You have to select a very good location with all required facilities. You can also use your existing land for raising guineas. Consider following criteria while selecting land for guinea fowl farming.

• Select a calm, noise and pollution free location for raising guineas.
• Ensure good supply of adequate amount of clean and fresh water.
• Having electricity facility will be good.
• Ensure good transportation system is available near the selected land.

Step 4: Make Good Housing System

The Guineas generally require less housing facilities compared to other common poultry birds . They are often left to fend for themselves. But it is wise to provide a shelter for protecting them from high winds, sun, cold, rain and predators.

Their house or shelter can be a room allocated in the barn or a purpose-built facility specifically for guineas. Generally 2-3 square feet space will be good for each bird. It is important to provide the guineas plenty of room, if you confine your birds.

The more room they have, the less likely they are to become stressed. Consider good flooring facilities, and the floor of the pen should be covered with an absorbent bedding material such as wood shavings or chopped hay or straw.

If the litter is kept dry, it can stay in place for several months. Providing perches is very important, because guinea fowl prefer to roost. You must keep your guineas in covered pens, if you want to keep your birds from wandering in a specific area.

The guineas are excellent flyers, and they are able to fly at a very early age. They are able to fly up to 400-500 feet at a time. They are also very good runners and they prefer to move on foot, including when escaping from predators.

If you have chickens in your farm, then you should not confine the male guineas with chickens especially if there are roosters in the same flock. The guineas will chase the roosters, keeping them from food and water when the male guineas are housed with the roosters full-time.

But if your flock is allowed to range freely during the day and is locked up only at night, it is safe to keep the guineas and roosters in the same barn. It also safe to house them together in a short-term emergency such as a blizzard or other bad weather.

Provide your guineas with some nest boxes if you are keeping your birds for egg production (for hatching or human consumption). Nest boxes available in the market which are designed for the chickens are generally acceptable.

You can also provide them some homemade nest boxes. Keep the guinea hens confined to the house until noon each day so that they will lay eggs inside. Doing this will reduce the likelihood of hens laying eggs in hidden nests outside.

Step 5: Purchase Necessary Equipment

Like many other poultry farming business, commercial guinea fowl farming also require purchasing some equipment. Here are some of the most important and necessary equipment:

• Nesting boxes
• Heat lamps or brooders
• Lighting equipment
• Cleaning tools
• First aid kit
• Transportation crates

Step 6: Select and Purchase Guineas

After setting the house or shelter, consider purchasing high quality birds from local breeders, online sellers or feed stores. You can either buy adult or keets. But it will be much easier to tame the birds if you can raise them from keets.

Purchasing healthy and high quality keets is the key to success in guinea fowl farming business. The guineas are available in a variety of ‘pure-bred’ colors. But many of the birds are cross-bred, resulting in multicolored feathers.

Feather color of these birds is the only difference between the different varieties. The guineas are monogamous creatures, purchasing them in pairs is best. Identifying male and and female birds is very difficult, but not impossible. You can identify male and female if you look for these things.

• The males generally have larger wattles than the females.
• The females generally make a two-syllable sound, while the males make a single-syllable sound.
• The males have a narrower opening between their pelvic bones than the females.
• If you hold the guinea under one arm and use your free hand to feel the bones, you should notice a distance of about two fingers on males and three fingers on females.

After purchasing the birds, it is best to keep them confined for a week or two to let them become accustomed to their new home. They could run away, if you let them out right away. It is good to confine them in a pen where they can see the area where they will be living. Let one bird out after the initial couple of weeks.

As the guineas hate to be alone, so the single bird will not go far and will learn it’s way around the area. Let a second guinea out after a few days to round with the first. It is generally safe to let the rest out, if they stay near the pen.

Step 7: Ensure Good and Nutritious Feeding

The guineas generally love to roam freely, and they forage for themselves and are able to meet most of their nutrition requirements on their own.

They generally consume a variety of insects and arachnids, weed seeds, slugs, worms and caterpillars. They need to consume some greens for maintaining good digestion.

So they eat grasses, weeds, dandelions and other vegetation. It is important to ensure the availability of grit, because they love to consume vegetation. They also benefit from having oyster shell available. They generally prefer wheat, sorghum or millet grain and they will ignore whole corn kernels.

Restricting their feed will encourage them to spend more time eating insects if you are keeping them for pest control. If you want to keep your birds confined, and if they are not allowed to forage freely then you can feed them commercial poultry feed .

Using unmedicated feeds is good for them. Compared to chickens, the guineas require a higher protein enriched feed. But they generally do quite well on regular poultry diet.

The keets need extra protein, so keeping between 24 and 26 percent protein will be good. The protein level should be reduced to 18% to 20% for the fifth to eighth weeks.

After eight weeks, the keets can be fed a 16% layer mash. You can mix a higher protein feed with a lying-hen mash to get the proper protein level, if you can’t find feeds in the proper protein levels.

Pelleted feed is not recommended for the guineas, and they should be fed mash or crumbles. Providing supplemental greens will be good for the guineas (such as leafy alfalfa), and they will eat the leaves. It is also important to remove any leftovers daily for preventing a mold problem.

Step 8: Proper Breeding is Also Important

Like many other poultry birds, the guinea fowls are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs if you keep good ratio of male and females in your flock.

Generally one male is kept with one female. But you can increase the number of females. One male bird will be enough to breed 5-6 females.

Step 9: Ensure Good Caring

The guinea fowl are not too good for taking care of their delicate little keets. They will sometime abandon a nest even after the hen has gotten broody and spent several nights on the eggs. Move the eggs to an incubator right away, if you notice that a nest has been abandoned.

You can use a store-bought incubator, following the instructions for incubating turkey or pheasant eggs if no specific instructions are provided for guinea eggs. The incubation period is between 26 and 28 days.

You will need to care for the keets once they have hatched. They need to care until they have fully developed feathers and are strong enough to hold their own with the rest of the flock. Using a broody hen can be helpful for hatching the eggs and raising the keets.

Step 10: Learn About Different Diseases and Health Problems

Guinea fowls are very strong and hardy birds, and they are less susceptible to diseases and other health problems. Although, you should always keep good contact with a vet in your area.

Step 11: Marketing

Marketing guinea fowl products is very easy and simple. Guinea fowl products (both meat and eggs) have very good demand and value in the market. Hope you will be able to market your products easily.

These are the steps and ways for starting and operating a successful guinea fowl farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People ask many questions about guinea fowl farming. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about starting and operating a successful guinea fowl farming business, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

Is guinea fowl farming profitable?

Yes, commercial guinea fowl farming is a very profitable business. But you have to set your marketing strategies before starting this business. Because, you will not be able to make good profits without proper marketing strategies. So, ensure a good market is available before stating this business.

How to start guinea fowl farming business?

Starting a commercial or small scale guinea fowl farming business is relatively easy. It’s just like starting any other poultry farming business. You just have to select a very good farm location, make a good house for your birds, feed them good quality foods and always try to take good care of them.

How long does it take for guinea fowl to mature?

Just like chickens, the guinea fowl also take between 16 and 20 weeks to mature.

What do you feed guinea fowl?

You can feed your guinea fowls with commercial poultry feeds.

How many eggs do guineas lay a year?

Guineas are not among the highly egg productive poultry birds. They will lay around 100 eggs per year.

Is guinea fowl farming profitable in South Africa?

Yes, commercial guinea fowl farming is a very profitable business in South Africa. But you have to set your marketing strategies before starting this business. Because, you will not be able to make good profits without proper marketing strategies. So, ensure a good market is available before stating this business.

How many guinea fowl should I get per acre?

If you rely only on feeding your guinea fowl from natural sources, then having around or up to 30 birds per acre will be enough.

What is the lifespan of a guinea fowl?

Average lifespan of a guinea fowl is around or up to 12 years.

Do guinea fowl keep snakes away?

Yes, guinea fowls are an excellent way for protecting your yard from uninvited snakes. Guinea fowls will sound out loudly to alert you of the presence of a snake. If the snake is small, a flock may encircle the snake and may even kill it.

Do guinea fowl need water?

Yes, sure! Actually, the guinea fowl need water more than food. They can survive longer without food, but can survive well without water.

How many times a day should you feed a guinea fowl?

Depends on the age of the birds. You should feed your mature guineas once or twice a day.

How much can you sell guinea fowl for?

Depends on numerous factors and the price can vary from place to place. But on an average, you can expect the price between $4 and $8.

How much does a full grown guinea fowl cost?

A full grown guinea fowl will cost you around or upto $10.

Can you make money on guinea fowl?

Yes, sure! Raising guinea fowl is a very lucrative business and you can make good profits from this business.

What is poisonous to guinea fowl?

Chocolate or caffeine products are poisonous to guinea fowl. So, never feed your guineas with such food.

Do guinea fowl eat mosquitoes?

Yes, they eat mosquitoes. Actually, the main food for guineas are insects. And they eat flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, ticks, worms, slugs, crickets, ants and other insects.

Can guinea fowl live with chickens?

Yes, you can keep guinea fowl and chickens together.

Are guineas hard to keep?

Yes, raising guinea fowl is relatively easy.

Will guinea fowl fly away?

Yes, the guinea fowls are excellent escape artist. And they will fly away if you do not have good fencing.

At what age do guinea fowl lay eggs?

The guinea hens generally start laying eggs at their 1 year of age.

How often do guinea fowl lay eggs?

Guinea fowls are seasonal layers. The guinea hens lay one egg daily during their breeding season . And depending on the location, breeding season of the guinea fowls is between March/April to September/October.

Recommended for You

How To Build A Poultry House – 8 Easy Steps for Beginners

Gumboro Disease: 13 Cause & Best 15 Prevention Tips

How to Control Mareks Disease & Save Poultry

How to Control Fowlpox Diseases & Save Poultry

Asiatic Poultry Breeds: Facts, Tips & Best 4 Breeds

Classification of Poultry – Importance and Top 9 Facts

3 thoughts on “guinea fowl farming – 11 simple steps for beginners to start”.

I need information about where to buy Guineafowls in South Africa. I am located in Emalahleni

Very interesting and inpiring information.please send more to me.Thanks and God bless you all.

very rich piece of information. I have loved it.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Agriculture Farming
• Livestock Farming

Project Reports

• Hydroponics
• Best Fertilizers
• Vertical Farming
• Sheep Farming
• Goat Farming
• Poultry Farming
• Fish Farming
• Pig Farming
• Dairy Farming
• Rabbit Farming
• Success Stories of Farmers
• Boost Fruit Yield
• District Wise Crop Production
• Schemes & Subsidies
• Agriculture Colleges
• Farm Insurance
• Disease Control And Management

Agriculture

Aquaculture

Horticulture

Agri Business

Sustainable Guinea Fowl Production: A Guide to Benefits and Eco-Friendly Production

Table of contents, what is guinea fowl farming, know more about guinea fowl, benefits of guinea fowl farming , how to start sustainable guinea fowl farming , how to raise guinea fowl, sustainable guinea fowl production methods, sustainable guinea fowl eco-friendly production , the benefits of sustainable guinea fowl production, improved guinea fowl production technology will support farmers in increasing income, challenges to sustainable guinea fowl production.

Welcome to our guide on raising guinea fowl sustainably! Guinea fowl are often overlooked as a sustainable protein source, but they benefit the environment and farmers. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of raising guinea fowl sustainably, benefits and how to do so in an eco-friendly way. We’ll also discuss farmers’ challenges when transitioning to sustainable guinea fowl production and offer solutions to overcome them.

Sustainable Guinea Fowl Production

Guinea fowl farming is a type of poultry farming that involves raising guinea fowl for their eggs and meat. Guinea fowl are also known as “Chitra” and “Titari” and are low-input alternative poultry species adapted to different Indian agro-climatic conditions. They are most appropriate for backyard poultry production due to their hardiness and ability to forage and consume non-conventional feed.

One of the benefits of raising guinea fowl is their meat, which is rich in vitamins and low in cholesterol, making it a healthy and tasty protein source for consumers. In addition, guinea fowl are eco-friendly and help control pests, worms, and insects while also providing manure for the field. However, their seasonality of reproduction or egg production can be a major problem limiting their egg production and obstructing large-scale commercial production.

To overcome this challenge, breeding programs have been implemented to develop Guncari birds, which are improved for high disease resistance and a better growth rate. Three varieties of Guncari birds, namely Kadambari, Swetambari, and Chitambari, are available for commercial utilization. These birds are hardy, suitable for agro-climatic conditions, and have excellent foraging capabilities. They are also more tolerant to mycotoxins, and their hard egg shells provide minimum breakage and long-keeping quality.

• Guinea fowl are ground-nesting birds with featherless heads found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are insect and seed eaters and resemble partridges but have dark gray or blackish plumage with dense white spots, except for the two species in the Agelastes genus. 
• These large birds measure 40-71 cm in length and weigh 700-1,600 g. Guinea hens, which are females, are heavier than guinea cocks, possibly because of their larger reproductive organs. 
• Guinea fowl are known for their excellent livability and relatively low disease susceptibility. The helmeted guinea fowl has been introduced to several regions outside of its native habitat and is raised for food or as pets. 
• Regarding production characteristics, guinea fowl typically weigh 600-620 g at eight weeks and 1,000-1,035 g at 12 weeks, with age at the first egg of 230-250 days and an egg weight of 40-43 g.

In case you missed it: Guinea Fowl Farming – Brooding, Rearing, Feeding

• Guinea fowls are hardy and strong birds that are easier to care for and manage and less prone to disease than other domestic poultry birds.
• Their smaller size means they require less housing space and incur lower accommodation costs. Guinea fowls are also adaptable to various feed options, making feeding easier. Raising guinea fowls for commercial purposes is also highly profitable and can provide employment opportunities for educated individuals.
• There is a good demand for guinea fowl products, reducing the need to worry about marketing efforts.
• Starting a guinea fowl farming business allows one to enjoy fresh meat or eggs and good business.

Sustainable guinea fowl farming is a great way to raise these birds while minimizing their environmental impact. Here are some steps to get started:

• Research the market demand: Before starting any farming venture, it is important to conduct market research to understand the need for the product. You can reach out to potential buyers, supermarkets, and restaurants to gauge the need for guinea fowl meat and eggs.
• Plan your farm: Once you know the market demand, plan your farm. Identify the ideal location, size, and facilities for guinea fowl farming. You should also consider the cost of building a coop, feeding, and other resources required.
• Get the necessary permits: Guinea fowl farming may require permits or licenses from the local authorities. You must check with the local government to determine the regulations and requirements.
• Choose your guinea fowl breed: There are several guinea fowl breeds available, including the Pearl, Lavender, White, and Royal Purple. Choose the best species that are well-suited to your climate and environment.
• Set up your farm: Build your coop, install waterers and feeders, and provide a suitable environment for your guinea fowl. Ensure they have the required space to move around and the coop is well-ventilated.
• Feed your guinea fowl: Guinea fowl require a balanced diet of grains, seeds, and insects. You can feed them commercial feeds or make your feed.
• Manage your farm: Regularly clean and maintain the coop, monitor the health of your guinea fowl, and keep records of your farming activities.

In case you missed it: Paddy Cultivation through Direct Seeding Technology: A Profitable Rice Production Method

• Guinea fowl are noisy and difficult to catch, so it is important to have a fully enclosed coop ready before bringing them home. The coop should provide at least three to four square feet of space per bird, along with food and water, clean bedding, and perches. 
• Consider providing a night-time shelter to protect them from predators like foxes and owls, and make sure it has a light and two entries. 
• When choosing your birds, buying them in male-female pairs is best, and it’s easier to tame them if you raise them from keets. Once you bring your guinea fowl home, give them time to adapt to their new environment before allowing them to roam free. 
• When it comes to feeding them, if they are allowed to roam, they will eat all sorts of critters in your yard, so you don’t need to provide them with additional food, but mixed grains in their shelter at night can encourage them to spend the night there.

Sustainable guinea fowl production methods aim to promote the long-term viability of guinea fowl farming while reducing the negative effect on the environment and promoting animal welfare. The following topics should be covered when discussing sustainable guinea fowl production methods:

• Breeding and brooding: Sustainable guinea fowl production methods should focus on using healthy and genetically diverse breeding stock. Proper brooding techniques, such as temperature and humidity control, should be followed to ensure the chicks’ health and welfare.
• Rearing and feeding: The rearing process should provide sufficient space and environmental enrichment for natural behavior and exercise. Sustainable feed options, such as locally sourced or home-grown, should be used to avoid feed waste and minimize antibiotics and other drugs.
• Disease prevention and treatment: Preventing disease is key to sustainable guinea fowl production. Biosecurity and precautionary measures should be implemented to prevent the development of diseases in the flock, and poultry care should be sought immediately if signs of illness are observed.
• Processing and marketing: Sustainable guinea fowl production methods should prioritize humane slaughter techniques and minimize waste in processing. Marketing should focus on promoting the benefits of sustainable guinea fowl production, such as using eco-friendly practices and high animal welfare standards.
• Guinea fowl are domesticated birds that are raised for meat and eggs, and they are also used for pest control. The male guinea fowl is called a guinea cock, the female is called a guinea hen, and their young are known as keets. 
• Guinea fowl eggs are typically incubated for 26-28 days, and the temperature in the incubator should be 100°F in forced-air incubators and 102°F in still-air incubators. Guinea fowl can be raised with broody chickens, as they are not good mothers.
• After the keets have hatched, they should be kept warm and dry, with a brooder temperature of approximately 95°F for the first week, dropping 5°F every three days until the end of the brooding period. 
• Guinea fowl require a 28% protein starter feed, which should be fed for approximately 6-8 weeks, then gradually changed to an 18% protein all-purpose ration.
• Once the guinea keets are fully feathered, they can be moved to an outdoor coop. Guinea fowl should be kept in their new home for 6-8 weeks to imprint them on the land, and a small pen attached to the coop should allow them to look out and observe their surroundings. They should be herded in every night to train the guinea hens to return to the coop.
• It can be difficult to identify between male and female guinea fowl. Voice is the only way to tell males from female guinea fowl, as males will make a “chin, chin, chin” sound, and females will make a “buck wheat” sound. Guineas lay small, light brown pointed eggs, which can also be used for pest control.

In case you missed it: How to Improve Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in Poultry Farming: Key Rules for Beginners

• Reduced environmental impact: Sustainable guinea fowl production practices help reduce the environmental impact of farming activities. For example, raising guinea fowl in free-range systems reduces soil degradation, water pollution, and deforestation.
• Improved animal welfare: Guinea fowl raised in sustainable production systems experience better welfare and quality of life. They can engage in natural behaviors such as foraging and dust bathing.
• High-quality meat: Guinea fowl meat is a lean, flavorful, and healthy source of protein. Sustainable guinea fowl production ensures the meat is free from harmful chemicals and antibiotics.
• Increased income: Sustainable guinea fowl production can provide a reliable source of income for farmers, especially in rural areas where alternative income streams may be limited.
• Employment opportunities: Guinea fowl farming can create employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labor.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Sustainable guinea fowl production practices can help reduce the carbon footprint of farming activities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Diversification: Raising guinea fowl can diversify a farm’s product offerings, providing additional revenue streams and increasing the farm’s resilience.
• Improved soil health: Guinea fowl can help improve soil health through natural fertilization and reduced soil compaction.
• Food security: Sustainable guinea fowl production can contribute to food security by providing a source of high-quality protein.
• Community development : Sustainable guinea fowl production can contribute to the development of local communities by providing employment opportunities, increasing income, and improving food security.

The objective was to reduce the age of the first egg, extending the laying period and ultimately improving egg production. Through dietary and light management interventions, the researchers found that an 18-hour photoperiod, 20% dietary protein, Vitamin E (120 mg / Kg feed), and Se (0.8 mg / Kg feed) triggered the reproductive hormones resulting in egg production in winter. The hen day egg production was 53% to 56% in winter, with yearly egg production of 180-200 eggs.

In case you missed it: 16 Key Rules for Effective Shrimp/Prawn Farm Management: From Planning to Reduce Production Cost

From 2016 to 2021, to break the seasonality in reproduction in the Pearl variety of Guinea Fowl. By adopting this technology for 1,000 guinea fowl on his farm, Ahemad earned 3 to 4 times more yearly income by selling the fertile eggs, chicks, and live birds to West Bengal and North-East States. Farmers can adopt this improved technology for farm guinea fowl production and increase their income.

• Seasonality: Guinea fowl have a seasonal reproduction cycle, which limits egg production and makes large-scale commercial production difficult.
• Disease management: Guinea fowl are susceptible to a number of diseases and parasites, including Newcastle disease and coccidiosis, which can cause significant losses if not managed properly.
• Lack of breeding programs: There are no breeding programs specifically for guinea fowl, so farmers may not have access to high-quality breeding stock.
• Market access: Access to markets for guinea fowl products can be limited, making it difficult for farmers to sell their products and earn a decent income.
• Feed availability: Guinea fowl require a high-protein diet, which can be expensive or unavailable to small farmers and difficult to obtain in some areas.
• Lack of knowledge: Many farmers may not have the necessary knowledge or skills to properly care for and manage guinea fowl, leading to poor production outcomes.

In case you missed it: Key Rules to Improve Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in Sheep: For Profitable Sheep Farming

Sustainable Guinea Fowl production offers numerous benefits, including eco-friendliness, low input costs, and improved farmer income. However, seasonality and disease control must be addressed to ensure long-term success. Proper management and adoption of innovative technologies can help overcome these challenges and promote sustainable production.

• Natural Solutions for Tulip Problems: 100% Effective Remedies for Leaf and Bulb-Related Issues

Revolutionizing Citrus Preservation: Towards a Healthier, Greener Future

• Natural Solutions for Peony Leaf and Flower Problems: 100% Effective Remedies
• Maximizing Profits with Avocado Contract Farming in India: A Comprehensive Guide
• Natural Solutions for Hydrangea Problems: 100% Effective Remedies for Leaf and Flowers
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Foliage Friend: Bringing Life Indoors
• From Sunlight to Sustainability: 15 Ways to Use Solar Technology in Agriculture
• The Ultimate Guide to Dong Tao Chicken: Exploring from History to Raising
• The Eco-Friendly Makeover: How to Convert Your Unused Swimming Pool into a Fish Pond
• Mastering the Art of Delaware Chicken Farming: Essentials for Healthy Backyard Flocks
• 20 Best Homemade Fertilizers for Money Plant: DIY Recipes and Application Methods

How to Craft a Comprehensive Free-Range Chicken Farming Business Plan

• Brighten Your Flock: Raising Easter Egger Chickens for Beauty and Bounty
• How to Optimize Your Poultry Egg Farm Business Plan with These Strategies
• Subsidy for Spirulina Cultivation: How Indian Government Schemes Encouraging Spirulina Farmers
• Ultimate Guide to Raising Dominique Chickens: Breeding, Feeding, Egg-Production, and Care
• Mastering the Art of Raising Jersey Giant Chickens: Care, Feeding, and More
• Ultimate Guide to Raising Legbar Chickens: Breeding, Farming Practices, Diet, Egg-Production

How to Raise Welsummer Chickens: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

How to protect indoor plants in winter: a comprehensive guide.

• Ultimate Guide to Grow Bag Gardening: Tips, Tricks, and Planting Ideas for Urban Gardeners
• Guide to Lotus Cultivation: How to Propagate, Plant, Grow, Care, Cost, and Profit
• Agriculture Drone Subsidy Scheme: Government Kisan Subsidy, License, and How to Apply Online
• Ultimate Guide to Raising Araucana Chickens: Breed Profile, Farming Economics, Diet, and Care
• Bringing Hydroponics to Classroom: Importance, Benefits of Learning for School Students
• Ultimate Guide to Raising Polish Chickens: Breed Profile, Farming Economics, Diet, and Care
• Ultimate Guide to Raising Australorp Chickens: Profile, Farming Economics, Egg Production, Diet, and Care
• Silkie Chicken Farming: Raising Practices, Varieties, Egg Production, Diet, and Care
• Sussex Chicken Farming: Raising Practices, Varieties, Egg Production, Diet and Care
• Homemade Feed Formulations for Livestock: Discover Cost-effective Starter to Finisher Feed Recipes
• 20 Best Pig Weight Gain Supplements: Top Swine Weight Gain Formulas
• Ultimate Guide to Elderberry Farming: Propagation, Planting, Yield, Cost, and Profit
• 100% Effective Strategies for Combating Pests and Diseases in Hibiscus: Prevent and Treat Successfully
• Management of Pests and Diseases in Mums: Ultimate Guide to Protecting Mums
• Management of Pests and Diseases in Home Garden: 100% Effective Control and Treatment Strategies
• Essential Guide to Disease Management for Backyard Poultry Owners

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Natural Solutions for Tulip Problems: 100% Effective Remedies for Leaf...

Natural solutions for peony leaf and flower problems: 100% effective..., maximizing profits with avocado contract farming in india: a comprehensive..., natural solutions for hydrangea problems: 100% effective remedies for leaf..., the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect foliage friend: bringing..., from sunlight to sustainability: 15 ways to use solar technology..., the ultimate guide to dong tao chicken: exploring from history..., the eco-friendly makeover: how to convert your unused swimming pool..., mastering the art of delaware chicken farming: essentials for healthy..., 20 best homemade fertilizers for money plant: diy recipes and..., brighten your flock: raising easter egger chickens for beauty and..., how to optimize your poultry egg farm business plan with..., subsidy for spirulina cultivation: how indian government schemes encouraging spirulina..., ultimate guide to raising dominique chickens: breeding, feeding, egg-production, and..., mastering the art of raising jersey giant chickens: care, feeding,..., ultimate guide to raising legbar chickens: breeding, farming practices, diet,..., borewell drilling cost, pump price, and pipe cost, polyhouse subsidy, cost, profit, project report, tractor subsidy, bank loan, eligibility, schemes, process, malabar neem project report details guide, cold storage project report, cost and subsidy, mushroom farming project report, cost and profit analysis.

• Website Design & Development Services
• Startup Branding
• Paid Marketing
• Organic Marketing
• Market Research
• Business Plans
• Pitch Decks
• Financial Forecast
• Industry Market Research Reports
• Social Media & Website Guides
• Case Studies
• Services Marketing Website Design & Development Services Startup Branding Paid Marketing Organic Marketing Consulting Market Research Business Plans Pitch Decks Financial Forecast
• About Resources Articles Templates Industry Market Research Reports Social Media & Website Guides Case Studies Team

Guinea Fowls Farm Business Plan Template

Explore Options to Get a Business Plan.

Are you interested in starting your own Guinea Fowls Farm Business?

Introduction

Global market size, target market, business model, competitive landscape, legal and regulatory requirements, financing options, marketing and sales strategies, operations and logistics, human resources & management, why write a business plan.

• Business Plans can help to articulate and flesh out the business’s goals and objectives. This can be beneficial not only for the business owner, but also for potential investors or partners
• Business Plans can serve as a roadmap for the business, helping to keep it on track and on target. This is especially important for businesses that are growing and evolving, as it can be easy to get sidetracked without a clear plan in place.
• Business plans can be a valuable tool for communicating the business’s vision to employees, customers, and other key stakeholders.
• Business plans are one of the most affordable and straightforward ways of ensuring your business is successful.
• Business plans allow you to understand your competition better to critically analyze your unique business proposition and differentiate yourself from the market.
• Business Plans allow you to better understand your customer. Conducting a customer analysis is essential to create better products and services and market more effectively.
• Business Plans allow you to determine the financial needs of the business leading to a better understanding of how much capital is needed to start the business and how much fundraising is needed.
• Business Plans allow you to put your business model in words and analyze it further to improve revenues or fill the holes in your strategy.
• Business plans allow you to attract investors and partners into the business as they can read an explanation about the business.
• Business plans allow you to position your brand by understanding your company’s role in the marketplace.
• Business Plans allow you to uncover new opportunities by undergoing the process of brainstorming while drafting your business plan which allows you to see your business in a new light. This allows you to come up with new ideas for products/services, business and marketing strategies.
• Business Plans allow you to access the growth and success of your business by comparing actual operational results versus the forecasts and assumptions in your business plan. This allows you to update your business plan to a business growth plan and ensure the long-term success and survival of your business.

Business Plan Content

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Industry Analysis
• Consumer Analysis
• Competitor Analysis & Adva

How to create a financial forecast for a guinea fowl farm?

If you are serious about keeping visibility on your future cash flows, then you need to build and maintain a financial forecast for your guinea fowl farm.

Putting together a guinea fowl farm financial forecast may sound complex, but don’t worry, with the right tool, it’s easier than it looks, and The Business Plan Shop is here to guide you.

In this practical guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about building financial projections for your guinea fowl farm. 

We will start by looking at why they are key, what information is needed, what a forecast looks like once completed, and what solutions you can use to create yours.

Let's dive in!

In this guide:

Why create and maintain a financial forecast for a guinea fowl farm?

What information is used as input to build a guinea fowl farm financial forecast, the sales forecast for a guinea fowl farm, the operating expenses for a guinea fowl farm.

• What investments are needed for a guinea fowl farm?

The financing plan of your guinea fowl farm

What tables compose the financial plan for a guinea fowl farm.

• Which tool should you use to create and maintain your guinea fowl farm's financial forecast?
• Financial projection template for a guinea fowl farm

Creating and maintaining an up-to-date financial forecast is the only way to steer the development of your guinea fowl farm and ensure that it can be financially viable in the years to come.

A financial plan for a guinea fowl farm enables you to look at your business in detail - from income to operating costs and investments - to evaluate its expected profitability and future cash flows.

This gives you the visibility needed to plan future investments and expansion with confidence. 

And, when your trading environment gets tougher, having an up to date guinea fowl farm forecast enables you to detect potential upcoming financing shortfalls in advance, enabling you to make adjustments or secure financing before you run out of cash.

It’s also important to remember that your guinea fowl farm's financial forecast will be essential when looking for financing. You can be 100% certain that banks and investors will ask to see your numbers, so make sure they’re set out accurately and attractively.

Need a solid financial forecast?

The Business Plan Shop does the maths for you. Simply enter your revenues, costs and investments. Click save and our online tool builds a three-way forecast for you instantly.

A guinea fowl farm's financial forecast needs to be built on the right foundation: your assumptions. 

The data required to create your assumptions will depend on whether you are a new or existing guinea fowl farm.

If you are creating (or updating) the forecast of an existing guinea fowl farm, then your main inputs will be historical accounting data and operating metrics, and your team’s view on what to expect for the next three to five years.

If you are building financial projections for a new guinea fowl farm startup, you will need to rely on market research to form your go-to-market strategy and derive your sales forecast.

For a new venture, you will also need an itemised list of resources needed for the guinea fowl farm to operate, along with a list of equipment required to launch the venture (more on that below). 

Now that you understand what is needed, let’s have a look at what elements will make up your guinea fowl farm's financial forecast.

From experience, it usually makes sense to start your guinea fowl farm's financial projection with the revenues forecast.

The inputs used to forecast your sales will include the historical trading data of your guinea fowl farm (which can be used as a starting point for existing businesses) and the data collected in your market research (which both new ventures and existing businesses need to project their sales forward).

Your guinea fowl farm's sales forecast can be broken down into two key estimates: 

• The average price 
• The number of monthly transactions

To assess these variables accurately, you will need to consider the following factors:

• Availability of guinea fowl breeders and hatchlings in the market (e.g. outbreaks of diseases, changes in breeding regulations)
• Consumer demand for guinea fowl meat and eggs (e.g. increasing popularity of organic and specialty meats, changing dietary preferences)
• Competition from other poultry farms (e.g. new farms opening in the area, established farms expanding their product offerings)
• Weather conditions (e.g. extreme temperatures, natural disasters affecting feed supply or bird health)
• Availability and cost of feed and other essential supplies (e.g. fluctuations in grain prices, shortages of specific feed ingredients)

Once you have a sales forecast in place, the next step will be to work on your overhead budget. Let’s have a look at that now. 

Need inspiration for your business plan?

The Business Plan Shop has dozens of business plan templates that you can use to get a clear idea of what a complete business plan looks like.

The next step is to estimate the expenses needed to run your guinea fowl farm on a day-to-day basis.

These will vary based on the level of sales expected, and the location and size of your business. 

But your guinea fowl farm's operating expenses should include the following items at a minimum:

• Feed and Supplements: This includes the cost of purchasing specialized feed and supplements for your guinea fowl, such as high protein pellets and vitamin supplements.
• Labor Costs: You will need to pay for labor to help with the daily tasks on your guinea fowl farm, such as feeding, cleaning, and egg collection.
• Veterinary Expenses: Guinea fowl, like any other livestock, may require medical attention at times. This could include routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for any illnesses or injuries.
• Housing and Equipment Maintenance: Your guinea fowl will need a safe and suitable shelter to live in. This may require repairs and regular maintenance, such as replacing bedding and cleaning equipment.
• Utilities: You will need to consider the cost of utilities such as water and electricity for your guinea fowl farm.
• Marketing and Advertising: To attract customers and promote your business, you may need to invest in marketing and advertising efforts, such as creating a website or attending local farmer's markets.
• Packaging and Shipping: If you plan on selling your guinea fowl products, you will need to factor in the cost of packaging materials and shipping fees.
• Accountancy Fees: To ensure proper financial management, you may need to hire an accountant to help with tax preparation and bookkeeping.
• Insurance: It is important to protect your farm and its assets with insurance coverage, which may include liability insurance, property insurance, and livestock insurance.
• Software Licenses: You may need to purchase software licenses for specific programs to help with farm management, such as accounting or record-keeping software.
• Banking Fees: Managing finances and making transactions for your farm may incur banking fees, such as wire transfer fees or ATM fees.
• Transportation Costs: You will need to transport your guinea fowl to various locations, such as the market or a processing facility, so it is important to factor in the cost of transportation.
• Training and Education: To ensure the success of your guinea fowl farm, you may need to invest in training and education for yourself and your staff, such as attending workshops or conferences.
• Legal Fees: It is important to consult with a lawyer to ensure that your farm is compliant with regulations and to handle any legal matters that may arise.
• Supplies and Equipment: You will need to purchase various supplies and equipment for your farm, such as feeders, waterers, and cleaning supplies.

This list is, of course, not exhaustive, and you'll have to adapt it according to your precise business model and size. A small guinea fowl farm might not have the same level of expenditure as a larger one, for example.

What investments are needed to start or grow a guinea fowl farm?

Creating and expanding a guinea fowl farm also requires investments which you need to factor into your financial forecast.

Capital expenditures and initial working capital items for a guinea fowl farm could include elements such as:

• Guinea Fowl Housing: This includes the construction or purchase of a suitable shelter for your guinea fowl. This can range from a basic coop to a more elaborate structure with multiple compartments.
• Feeding and Watering Equipment: Guinea fowl require specific feeders and waterers designed for their unique needs. These may include automatic feeders and waterers to ensure a consistent supply of food and water.
• Fencing and Predator Protection: Guinea fowl are susceptible to predators, so investing in proper fencing and predator protection measures is crucial for the safety of your flock. This may include electric fencing, netting, or other deterrents.
• Egg Incubator: If you plan on hatching your own guinea fowl eggs, you will need to purchase an incubator. This will allow you to control the temperature and humidity levels necessary for successful hatching.
• Nesting Boxes: Guinea fowl require nesting boxes to lay their eggs. These can be purchased or built, depending on your budget and preferences.

Again, this list is not exhaustive and will need to be adjusted according to the circumstances of your guinea fowl farm.

Need a convincing business plan?

The Business Plan Shop makes it easy to create a financial forecast to assess the potential profitability of your projects, and write a business plan that’ll wow investors.

The next step in the creation of your financial forecast for your guinea fowl farm is to think about how you might finance your business.

You will have to assess how much capital will come from shareholders (equity) and how much can be secured through banks.

Bank loans will have to be modelled so that you can separate the interest expenses from the repayments of principal, and include all this data in your forecast.

Issuing share capital and obtaining a bank loan are two of the most common ways that entrepreneurs finance their businesses.

Now let's have a look at the main output tables of your guinea fowl farm's financial forecast.

The forecasted profit & loss statement

The profit & loss forecast gives you a clear picture of your business’ expected growth over the first three to five years, and whether it’s likely to be profitable or not.

A healthy guinea fowl farm's P&L statement should show:

• Sales growing at (minimum) or above (better) inflation
• Stable (minimum) or expanding (better) profit margins
• A healthy level of net profitability

This will of course depend on the stage of your business: numbers for an established guinea fowl farm will look different than for a startup.

The projected balance sheet

Your guinea fowl farm's forecasted balance sheet enables you to assess your financial structure and working capital requirements.

It is composed of three types of elements: assets, liabilities and equity:

• Assets: represent what the business owns and uses to produce cash flows. It includes resources such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
• Liabilities: represent funds advanced to the business by lenders and other creditors. It includes items such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers), taxes due and loans.
• Equity: is the combination of what has been invested by the business owners and the cumulative profits and losses generated by the business to date (which are called retained earnings). Equity is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

The projected cash flow statement

A projected cash flow statement for a guinea fowl farm is used to show how much cash the business is generating or consuming.

The cash flow forecast is usually organised by nature to show three key metrics:

• The operating cash flow: do the core business activities generate or consume cash?
• The investing cash flow: how much is the business investing in long-term assets (this is usually compared to the level of fixed assets on the balance sheet to assess whether the business is regularly maintaining and renewing its equipment)?
• The financing cash flow: is the business raising new financing or repaying financiers (debt repayment, dividends)?

Cash is king and keeping an eye on future cash flows is imperative for running a successful business. Therefore, you should pay close attention to your guinea fowl farm's cash flow forecast.

If you are trying to secure financing, note that it is customary to provide both yearly and monthly cash flow forecasts in a financial plan - so that the reader can analyze seasonal variation and ensure the guinea fowl farm is appropriately capitalised.

Which tool should you use to create your guinea fowl farm's financial forecast?

Creating your guinea fowl farm's financial forecast may sound fairly daunting, but the good news is that there are several ways to go about it.

Using online financial projection software to build your guinea fowl farm's forecast

The modern and easiest way to build a forecast is to use professional financial projection software such as the one we offer at The Business Plan Shop.

There are several advantages to using specialised software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You have access to complete financial forecast templates
• You get a complete financial forecast ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast, and recalibrate your forecast as the year goes by
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck
• It’s cost-efficient and much cheaper than using an accountant or consultant (see below)

If you are interested in this type of solution, you can try our forecasting software for free by signing up here .

Calling in a financial consultant or chartered accountant

Outsourcing the creation of your guinea fowl farm financial forecast is another possible solution.

This will cost more than using software as you can expect as your price will have to cover the accountant’s time, software cost, and profit margin.

Price can vary greatly based on the complexity of your business. For a small business, from experience, a simple three-year financial forecast (including a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement) will start at around £700 or $1,000. 

Bear in mind that this is for forecasts produced at a single point in time, updating or tracking your forecast against actuals will cost extra. 

If you decide to outsource your forecasting:

• Make sure the professional has direct experience in your industry and is able to challenge your assumptions constructively. 
• Steer away from consultants using sectorial ratios to build their client’s financial forecasts (these projections are worthless for a small business).

Why not use a spreadsheet such as Excel or Google Sheets to build your guinea fowl farm's financial forecast?

Creating an accurate and error-free guinea fowl farm financial forecast with a spreadsheet is very technical and requires a deep knowledge of accounting and an understanding of financial modelling.

Very few business owners are financially savvy enough to be able to build a forecast themselves on Excel without making mistakes. 

Lenders and investors know this, which is why forecasts created on Excel by the business owner are often frowned upon. 

Having numbers one can trust is key when it comes to financial forecasting and to that end using software is much safer. 

Using financial forecasting software is also faster than using a spreadsheet, and, with the rise of artificial intelligence, software is also becoming smarter at helping us analyse the numbers to make smarter decisions.

Finally, like everything with spreadsheets, tracking actuals vs. forecasts and keeping your projections up to date as the year progresses is manual, tedious, and error-prone. Whereas financial projection software like The Business Plan Shop is built for this.

Use our financial projection templates for inspiration

The Business Plan Shop has dozens of financial forecasting templates available.

Our examples contain both the financial forecast, and a written business plan which presents, in detail, the company, the team, the strategy, and the medium-term objectives.

Whether you are just starting out or already have your own guinea fowl farm, looking at our template is always a good way to get ideas on how to model financial items and what to write when creating a business plan to secure funding.

• A financial projection shows expected growth, profitability, and cash generation for your business over the next three to five years.
• Tracking actuals vs. forecast and keeping your financial forecast up-to-date is the only way to maintain visibility on future cash flows.
• Using financial forecasting software makes it easy to create and maintain up-to-date projections for your guinea fowl farm.

You have reached the end of our guide. We hope you now have a better understanding of how to create a financial forecast for a guinea fowl farm. Don't hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions or want to share your experience building forecasts!

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• Example of financial projections

Know someone who runs or wants to start a guinea fowl farm? Share our financial projection guide with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

Create a convincing business plan

Assess the profitability of your business idea and create a persuasive business plan to pitch to investors

500,000+ entrepreneurs have already tried our solution - why not join them?

Not ready to try our on-line tool ? Learn more about our solution here

Need some inspiration for your business plan?

Subscribe to The Business Plan Shop and gain access to our business plan template library.

Need a professional business plan? Discover our solution

Write your business plan with ease!

It's easy to create a professional business plan with The Business Plan Shop

Want to find out more before you try? Learn more about our solution here

The GFAiR Blog

Blogs and Op-eds from the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation

YAP proposal #405: Guinea Fowl Processing and Marketing (Albert Akafari Ayinpoya, Ghana)

I am Albert Akafari Ayinpoya, 28, a citizen of the Republic of Ghana, from Zorko in the Upper East Region of the country.

I hold a BA in Economics and Entrepreneurship Development from the University for Development Studies. I currently work with the Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana as an Agro-Enterprise Development Supervisor seeking to reduce poverty among small holder farmers through the Guinea Fowl Market System.

I am an agripreneur who has a local processing centre for processing quality guinea fowl meat for the market

The project will partner with the Guinea Fowl Farmers Association (GUIFFA) to build the capacities of farmers who are in Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs). The capacity-building process intends guiding the guinea fowl farmers to adopt best agriculture practices in producing quality guinea fowls for the guinea fowl processing centre.

The Participatory Market System Development (PMSD) approach will be used to ensure that the farmers are linked to some key actors (e.g. egg producers, brooders, hatchers, feed manufactures) in the guinea fowl value chain.

The PMSD approach will ensure that the farmers are linked to egg producers to access guinea fowl eggs, the hatchers for the hatchers of the guinea fowl eggs, the brooders for guinea keets and feed manufactures for formulated feed.

The approach will ensure that the all key actors as mentioned above are brought on board to ensure the production of quality guinea fowls for the market which will attract premium prices.

The quality Guinea Fowls produced by the farmers will be purchased and processed by the processing centre through recommended guidelines by the Ghana standard Authority and packaged for sale to hotels and restaurants. The farmers will sell the life quality guinea fowls to the processing site collectively for premium prices.

The model depicts that the FBOs and the processing center will get premium prices for quality life and processed guinea fowls respectively.

Guinea fowl is a domestic animal reared under the extensive system by almost every farmer in the Upper East Region of Ghana. It plays an important role in ensuring income securities among farmers especially in the dry season (from November to May) where no crop production is going on.

Farmers rely on the income generated from the sale the guinea fowl to pay for their children school fees, health needs also to go into crop production in the coming farming season. These suggest why guinea fowl production is key to every farmer in the Upper East Region Ghana.

Guinea fowl meat has many nutritional qualities which make it valuable when it is being added to diet. It has high level of calories which is essential to the human body. Guinea fowl is learner and drier than chicken meat. It also has low level of cholesterol as compared to chicken which is good for the body.

The hotels and restaurants cannot meet their demand for guinea fowls. The challenge faced by the hotels and restaurants is that they do not have farmers who supply them with processed guinea fowls.

The farmers after the production of the guinea fowls do not process them but only sell the life guinea fowl when there is the need for money. This approach by farmers does not go well with the hotels and restaurants because they to hire extra labour for the processing of the guinea fowls which leads them to incur additional cost and thus reduces their profit.

The project seeks to contribute to the reduction of poverty among 300 small holder guinea fowl farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Project activities are as followed:

• Identify the key actors in the guinea fowl market system for the production of guinea fowls (USD 300)
• Link the FBOs to the actors identified to acquire the needed input production of quality guinea fowls for the market (USD 200)
• Train farmers on how to produce quality guinea fowls to supply the guinea fowl processing center (USD 1,000)
• Purchase and install cooling system to preserve the processed guinea fowls (USD 2,000)
• Create awareness among individual consumers, hotels, restaurants and other institutions the availability of quality and healthy processed guinea fowl meat (USD 1,000)
• Monitoring the activities of the FBOs to ensure the adoption of the underlying principles regarding quality guinea fowl product (USD 500)

I have already organized the individual farmer into 20 separate groups called Farmer Based Organization (FBOs) who are numbering up to 300 guinea fowl farmers. I have a local processing center and have recently acquired a stall to set up a cooling system for preservation of the processed guinea fowls.

The success of the project will be measured in terms of the increase in the quantity and improved quality of guinea fowl supplied by farmers, increase in sale by the stall and the increase in income/profit by the stall and the guinea fowl farmers.

Blogpost and picture submitted by Albert Akafari Ayinpoya (Ghana): albertakafari[at]gmail.com

The content, structure and grammar are at the discretion of the author only.

This post is published as proposal #405 of  “YAP” – our “Youth Agripreneur Project” .

The first selection of the winners will be based on the number of comments, likes and views each proposal gets.

As a reader, you can support this speaker’s entry:

• Leave a comment (question, suggestion,..) on this project in the comment field at the bottom of this page
• Support the post by clicking the “Like” button below (only possible for those with a com account)
• Spread this post via your social media channels, using the hashtag: #GCARD3

Have a look at  the other “YAP” proposals  too!


As a donor, support young agripreneurs and  sponsor this unique project .

Check out the side column for our current sponsors.
“YAP” is part of  the #GCARD3 process , the third Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development.

Share this:

• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Published by kovamic87

View all posts by kovamic87

49 thoughts on “YAP proposal #405: Guinea Fowl Processing and Marketing (Albert Akafari Ayinpoya, Ghana)”

Kudos, great idea , great job Albert, this is a very good project and you know reduction of poverty among small Holder farmers is very Paramount, plss the actors and the market must be look at seriously,

well noted samuel

Hello Albert, this is good project. I have been in upper East region of Ghana and I know this is quite lacking in the region. If you can concatenate on the cooling systems and mobilize farmers with a lot of marketing strategies then it should be sustainable, and can really push your business high

Thank you Peter. Your comment is well noted

Great idea! But Don’t forget of our women(gender) who play a key role in this value chain and what happens next, after the donor pulls out?I wish the best.

Thanks Hegelar. Over 40% of the beneficiaries of the project will be women. With the model the project is using, sustainability is not a problem. The capacities of the farmers will be built to produce quality guinea fowls with high market value for the processing center. Due the available market for the processed Guinea fowls, the center and stall will also make extra income. Once every actor in the value chain (e.g. farmers, processing center and stall) benefits all will be in business.

Hi Albert, taking an initiative in Guinea Fowl processing and marketing in the Upper East Region is a positive action towards improving the living conditions of the poor rural farmers in the region. Any support given to you to in this area will help improve on the poverty situation in the region.

That is true Urban. Thanks

It is a good plan for farmers in the region to produce more Guinea fowl to earn income.

Certainly Patrick.

Very good all the best

Hi Albert this is wonderful and sounds really sustainable. I encourage also you try and link up with the 2Scale Project of IFDC. They can be of good help to help you grow.

Pat, well noted

Bravo Albert, this is a great initiative because, it will create ready market for guinea fowl farmers and also create employment for the youth. As for guinea fowl consumers like some of us, it will be a great opportunity to get ready made guinea fowls to buy. I promise to be your number one customer.

Thanks Comfort.

Albert, you have made a good planned and i know you have the capacity to execute this plan. We remember you in our prayer.Best wishes.

Thank You Joel

I couldn’t have liked any other project than one on guinea fowl.Working with women farmers,is a sure way to key them also into your project to assist the alleviate poverty in the Upper east region.

Thanks Linda. Much attention will be on women.

Is very good and I will edge you to go high

Thank You Priscilla

Great job Albert! You really need cooling systems to preserve the processed guinea fowls.

Thanks Gifty. the way forward is to get a cooling system

Albert, this is a wonderful idea .It is a good avenue to creating employment to support the poor living conditions of our rural farmers .Best wishes

Millicent thank you

excellent bro,, so young n innivative. brilliant job

Thank you Patrick

It is a good idea go higher all the best.

Alemiya thanks

value addition remains an untapped potential in the upper east region. Up to date, it is still common to find people selling life guinea fowls in the market and potential consumers will have to buy such a life bird to the house and prepare it for food. With lifestyle changes and people getting more and more busy, the need for a well processed guinea fowl birds ready for the cooking pot will continue to grow into the future. Thus, your project is timely and i hope that you will get the necessary support to execute it. Good luck!

Thanks John for the inspiration

This is a good initiative with great employment potential. Thousands of farmers in northern Ghana are into guinea fowls rearing and will benefit immensely from this initiative. If this initiative is pursued, it will also contribute to poverty alleviation in Ghana especially in northern Ghana.

Thanks David

Great idea and I know you can do it.

Thank you Ngaaso

Great initiative, Albert. We would support you where necessary. Go Go Albert.

Thank you Khadija

Good initiative my brother. Going into this project will definitely go a long way to improving the livelihood of our poor farmers.

wow… Wonderful idea and a great initiative. May God help you establish your dreams and aspirations.

Thank you Charlse

Very excellent good job God will countinue to bless u, keep it up

Thanks Bismark

Great work Albert keep it up God will see through this great initiative

Akabse thanks

This has great potential. All the best Albert!

This is a good proposal and needs all the support to help alleviate poverty in the region. However, the guinea fowl value chain should be strengthened to be able to achieved the desired results and impact. Keep it up.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Global site navigation

• Celebrity biographies
• Messages - Wishes - Quotes
• TV-shows and movies
• Bizarre facts
• Celebrities
• Family and Relationships
• Real Estate

Guinea fowl farming in Ghana

Guinea fowl production in Ghana is becoming more popular day after day. Not only does it ensures a stable profit to the farmers working in it but also it is considered as one of the main economy-boosting future businesses in Ghana, as it has the ability to benefit more than 50000 people. The guinea fowl are mainly poultry birds that originated in Africa many years ago, and many farmers are considering investing in them due to their rising popularity and attracting natural traits. They are also sometimes called gleanies, pintades, or just guineas, and they are related to pheasants, partridges, and turkeys. If you want to start a profitable guinea fowl farming business, read down below to know everything about the guinea fowl farming in Ghana.

The useful natural traits of guinea fowl

Many people say it is very noisy, but others just love it for that and take its noise as something good because it can be used as an alarm to anything unusual that might take place in their farms. They are also considered among the most useful farm birds due to their many benefits and duties on any farm that are vital, more economic, and time-saving to farmers all alike. For example, it was noticed that their noise keeps away dangerous rodents from getting close to any farm. Guineas also hunt rats and small mice, which prevents all the farm animals from getting any dangerous infections or diseases, and they can be used as the main source of pest control, as they feed on insects such as crickets, flies, and grasshoppers, thus protecting the plants. They are large, tough, and vigorous birds by nature that cannot get infected with any diseases, which is one of the main reasons why they have become very popular among many Ghanaian farmers. Besides all that, they are very entertaining birds, and it is very fun to keep an eye on them from a distance, as they always tease and manage to trick other animals some way or another. Although they originated in Africa, they can still be found in many other countries around the world because of their traits and growing popularity among the people.

The Himba tribe of Namibia: 10 interesting facts about the Himba people

Guinea fowl breeds

Guinea fowl used to be wild birds, but people have managed to domesticate some of their species so that they can be used for profit. In general, there are six main breeds of the guinea fowl that can be found in nature. Three of them, which are the Crested Guinea Fowl, the Vulturine Guinea Fowl, and the Helmeted Guinea Fowl, were domesticated and can be found in many farms around the world. The other three species, which are the White-Breast Guinea Fowl, the Plumed Guinea Fowl, and the Black Guinea Fowl are not domesticated and they can be found free in the wild. The most popular and common domesticated species of the guinea fowl is the Helmeted Guinea Fowl, which can now be seen in many of the world’s farms. When it comes to their appearance, there is hardly any difference between the males and the females, and usually, they can only be identified from the pitch of their voices, as the male guineas tend to have a slightly stronger voice. Through experience, some farmers have managed to know the difference between the males and the females from the appearance of the legs, body size, and the feathers. Also, many farmers concluded that the female guinea fowl seems to have a higher body weight than the male. The guinea fowl birds prefer to roam in the fields, as they are not used to captivity by nature. The more space you give them, the better and happier they will be; although it could be hard to catch them in the open, as they are not as tame as chickens and other farm birds. So, it is best to have enough space on your farm for them.

Cancer compatibility: What zodiac sign is the best match?

The World Bank’s West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP) has been helping many West African farmers in developing a self-sustaining business in guinea fowl production, and of course, Ghana is one of the top countries on the list because of its suitable weather for the growing of the birds. In addition, many farmers are willing to start working in guinea fowl farming right away under the right and the suitable circumstances. The WAAPP has been working on growing the industry of guinea fowl in Ghana so that it can help solve many of the unemployment issues in the country. This has helped many Ghanaian citizens, including old and young people from 20 to 60 years old, in finding new jobs on which they can depend to get a stable income that covers their daily expenses and opens for them a chance to save more money for suture investments.

Agbada fashion for men: 10 things you need to know

Usually, every WAAPP beneficiary received financial support, the necessary vaccines, a generator, an incubator, dewormer, 500 eggs, and food for the birds. As a result, statistics have proven that the WAAPP’s investment in 80 farmers in Ghana has had its benefits over more than 50,000 Ghanaian citizens of different ages, and it is still expected to have an even larger effect on many guinea fowl farmers in Ghana. Many farmers in Ghana not only raise the birds for profit, but for other social and cultural purposes like gift-giving, weddings, funerals, weddings, and most of all the celebration of the guinea fowl festival, which is so popular in Ghana. The guinea fowl meat is also very popular; as a result, in many of the local restaurants in Ghana, local people now tend to choose guinea fowl to other kinds of imported meat, which also helps the country's economy. There is no doubt that its meat is healthier, as it has less amount of fat and more nutrients compared to other kinds of poultry meat making it a locally produced, delicious, and healthy source of protein.

Here is a list of domestic animals in Ghana that will amaze you

Guinea fowl production in Northern Ghana

The northern region in Ghana is considered the largest among ten other regions, as it covers an area of approximately 70,000 square kilometers or 30% of Ghana’s area. Since it is drier than other regions, it has become most suitable for growing guinea fowl birds, as they are very sensitive to dampness in the first couple of months after hatching. In general, that is the main reason that the production of guinea fowl birds in the northern Ghanaian region is much more compared to other regions making it one of the main regions responsible for guinea fowl commercial farming. So, you should consider yourself blessed if you live in the northern region, as it might be a great chance for your to start your own business right away, employ farmers to assist you, and help the Ghanaian economy. If you live in another region, then it could also be possible to have a sustainable business but only of you guarantee that your two to eight weeks old keets are not going to be affected by any humidity or dampness in the rain season. In general, Ghanaian guinea fowl farmers all over Ghana lack the necessary knowledge when it comes to keet mortality control, but it is never too late to learn how to do it the right way.

List of natural and artificial sources of water on Earth

Guinea fowl production

Nowadays, you can easily find guinea fowl meat for sale in many locations in Ghana. Its meat is not only full of nutrients, proteins, and healthy elements but also their bones are much smaller compared to other kinds of poultry birds making them have a better quality price. In addition, guinea fowl meat has a nice flavor as mentioned by many of the people in Ghana, and it is also leaner and drier than the meat of chickens. They can be raised in the backyard of each house, and you are not going to need a especially dedicated farm in order to raise them. The only down part is that their noise may bother your neighbors in case you have any near your house. Actually, raising guinea fowl at your backyard could also be a good hobby for your children, as they are very entertaining birds and they will definitely keep them busy. It would be the perfect way of supplying your family with eggs and nutritious meat, as it has more proteins than the meat of the chickens and turkeys and about half the amount of fats. The guinea fowl eggs are also richer than those of other kinds of birds. If you have any kids, it would be a great idea to encourage them to start their own business by establishing a small guinea fowl farm in your backyard if you have enough space for them, and your children will definitely make good money selling their meat in local markets and their eggs to other farmers. You can find many online guides and tips about how to successful start a small guinea fowl farm at your backyard. In addition, Ghana has a huge advantage when it comes to growing guinea fowl birds because of its nice and suitable dry weather, especially in the north, because it is perfect to grow guinea fowl where there is not much rain or dampness, which makes the weather conditions in most parts of Ghana ideal for the production of guinea fowl birds. Even if you do not live in a dry region, it is only necessary that you take care of the keets and keep them away from dampness and humidity until they are 2 to 3 months old. Encouraging many local people in Ghana to start a business in growing guinea fowl not only helps with many of the poverty and unemployment issue, but it also reduces the need for foreign currencies required to import meat into Ghana from other countries.

Puberty rites in Ghana - types and significance

Guinea fowl keeping

If you are worried about not being able to treat your guinea fowl birds in case they get certain diseases, then you do not have to worry about that at all. Unlike other poultry birds, chickens, and turkeys, guinea fowls are very resistant to the common virulent and viral diseases such as the Newcastle disease, which usually infects many of the poultry birds in Africa. Guinea fowls are also resistant to fowlpox and gumboro diseases, which were known to have affected many poultry birds before. This makes guinea fowl mating and raising an easy job for many beginners. It is just most important to take care of their keets two to three months after they hatch and keep them away from dampness and humidity, as this is the period in which they are most vulnerable. Many local people in Ghana also know how to treat guinea fowl using local plants and herbs, which is not going to cost you a lot compared to raising other animals, which may need especially expensive imported medications. The WAAPP also distributes many vaccines for free for those who are seriously willing to start a business in growing guinea fowl. Many farmers in Ghana reduced the keet mortality by keeping the keets in a confined location for about one month, and this strategy proved to be very successful.

Latest hairstyles in Ghana: Top weaving styles 2019

How to start guinea fowl farming on your own

In any business or work around the world, it is very known that there is nothing better than practical experience, which you may lack at the beginning, especially if you are not very familiar with growing farm animals. So, the best thing to do at this time before you start anything is to collect as much information as you can about growing guinea fowl form local farmers or from people you know who are working in the same field. Writing down all of this information is also very important so that you won’t get confused with the opinions of many people. This will definitely save you a lot of time and effort.

After that, it is best to make your own plan to improve the process of growing the birds so that you can have a successful, unique, and a competitive business compared to others. You should definitely be very careful at the beginning in following the most important steps, and it is better to hire some farmers who are experienced in growing guinea fowl birds, as they will definitely assist you.

Men's African wear in Ghana

Growing guinea fowl birds has been going on in Ghana for so many years, but you need to focus on growing as many birds as possible in the shortest amount of time so that your business would advance and be competitive. It is a good idea to start by reading the stories of successful regional farmers who have managed to increase their production in a short period of time, as this will give you a lot of inspiration about you can do so that you can improve your business plan.

There are many farmers who used to listen to a radio program that is dedicated to providing information to the locals about the right strategies when it comes to growing the birds and marketing their meat and eggs. Some farmers admitted that they have learned about the housing of the birds, the right antibiotics and medications for them, and the necessary growing conditions just from this same program. Many farmers also have a chance to contribute to the daily radio program through phone calls, which makes it a nice and a friendly community in which everyone is seeking to help the others. There are now many farmers in the north of Ghana who only rely on guinea fowl birds to cover their expenses and provide for all their life necessities.

Fish Farming in Ghana - Tilapia Business Made Easy

The guinea fowl growing radio program in Ghana

Here is a story to start with that is of a regional Ghanaian farmer who won the best regional farmer award from Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture after managing to triple his production in 2017 compared to the year before. Mr. Albert Asorigiya, from the rural community of Kasenamun, admitted that the broadcasted radio program, which is called Farm Radio International, gave him all the support he needed to successfully increase his income by helping him come up with the best guinea fowl farming business plan.

Through the program, he learned about housing, antibiotics, marketing skills, and he most importantly learned how to provide his birds with care, food, and water in a professional manner. He also stated that the marketing and business skills that he learned from the program showed him how to gain better access to different markets in which he sold his products. He explained that he learned to manage how to sell his birds the right way at the right time, as he used to send his birds in cages and sell them in other cities when no one came to buy them from this farm, and that at other times, the owners of some restaurants and hotels came to his farm to purchase his birds.

Poultry Farming in Ghana: Business Plan and Revenues

Mr. Asorigiya also shares his knowledge with many other farmers on the phone through the same radio program. So, now is definitely the right time to commit to this radio program every day if you have not started yet. It will definitely provide you with the necessary skills and the perfect inspiration.

Guinea fowl farming information and tips

It is very important to understand the nature and behavior of guinea fowl birds before starting a business in growing them. You will find below some of the most important tips that are recommended by many guinea fowl farmers and professional growers in order to have a successful business and a worthy production. This could actually be a very good guinea fowl farming guide for beginners.

• If you are unfamiliar with the behavior of guinea fowl birds, then it is important to know that they are not easily tamed like chickens and other farm animals and that they tend to keep some of their wild behaviors at sometimes.
• Guinea fowl birds are very active and can roam around easily without coming back if they get the chance.
• In general, guinea fowls are often left to forage for themselves, but if you want to have a good production, then it is could be necessary to provide for them the suitable sheltering facilities in order to protect them from other predators, the sun, the strong winds, and the cold, especially when they are still young. Free range guinea fowl farming is more comfortable and natural for the birds as long as they have a shelter to protect them in harsh and unsuitable weather conditions.
• In order to have a suitable shelter for them, you would need a regular room in a barn in which there is 2-3 square feet space for each bird. It is very necessary that they have enough space, as they are not used to confinement by nature, and confining them in a small area will get them stressed.
• It is very important to have good flooring facilities at your farm. For example, the floor should be covered with a good absorbent material such as chopped hay, straw, or wood shavings.
• You should provide the shelter of your birds with enough perches, as they always prefer to roost at night.
• If you want to prevent them from wandering or roaming around in nearby places, then it is definitely necessary to keep them in covered pens. It may not seem that they can fly, but they are actually very good flyers starting from a very young age. They are also fast runners, and they usually prefer to move on foot.
• If you have chickens in your farm, then you should be careful not to have chicken roosters and guinea fowl males at the same place, as the guineas will most probably keep chasing the roosters preventing them from eating and drinking, thus stressing them and affecting their growth.
• If you are going to keep some of your guineas for egg production, then it is very important to provide them with nest boxes. They do not require special boxes, as the chicken nest boxes or homemade nest boxes are suitable for them. All you have to do is to keep the guinea hens confined to their shelters until noon every day so that they may have a chance to lay eggs inside, which will decrease the possibility of them laying eggs in hidden nests outside the farm.

The selection process

After setting up a suitable shelter for your future guineas, it is now time to start purchasing the birds for your farm. Make sure to purchase high-quality birds or keets from trusted farmers, local guinea fowl breeders, or feed stores. It could be better to buy keets at the beginning because they will be tamed easily when raising them.

In general, the key to successful growing of guineas is all about choosing the right healthy keets from the beginning. It is also better to purchase the birds in pairs as they are monogamous creatures by nature, and after purchasing them, it is very recommended by many guinea farmers to confine them in their new shelter for about one week or two so that they can get accustomed to their new home. If you let them out right away after purchasing them, they could very easily run away and never come back to the farm.

After a couple of weeks of confining them, let one of the birds out for a short period of time so that it can come back home by itself, as guineas are social creatures and they hate to be alone. That way, each bird will not go far and will learn its way around the area until it eventually comes back by itself. A couple of days after that, repeat the same procedure with another bird, and then repeat it again with the other birds until all of them become accustomed to their new location.

Feeding guinea fowl birds

The birds are not going to cost you a lot when it comes to feeding them as they are used to forage for themselves by nature. They love to roam freely and search for food, and they can meet all their nutrition needs mainly on their own. Guinea fowl birds consume a big variety of herbs, plants,grains, and insects of different kinds. They also feed on arachnids, weed seeds, worms, slugs, and caterpillars. In general, they feed on herbs and greens so that they can maintain a good and an easy digestion, and that is why it could be important to ensure the availability of grit in your farm.

When it comes to the grains, they prefer sorghum, wheat, or millet to corn kernels. Some farmers restrict their feed in order to encourage them to spend more time catching insects. In case you do not have a suitable place where they can roam freely and want to keep them confined in a certain location, then the commercial poultry feed could be a good option for feeding them. Keep in mind also that the keets need extra amounts of protein between 24 and 26 percent, while the protein percentage should be reduced to about 20% for the fifth to eight weeks. After eight weeks, you can feed them 16% layer mash. If you cannot find feeds with the necessary protein amounts, then you can mix a higher protein feed with a lying-hen mash.

Pelleted feed is definitely not recommended for the guineas. Supplement greens like alfalfa are also good for them. Make sure to remove any leftovers every day in order to prevent any mold problems.

Taking care of guinea fowl birds

In general, guinea fowl birds have a bad reputation when it comes to taking care of their keets, and that is why you may have to do some work in order to take care of them and protect them. Statistics have proven that keet mortality control is the biggest issue that faces the farmers in this business, and you should be well prepared for that so that you won’t lose a big amount of keets. The hens may sometimes abandon their nets even after spending a few nights on their eggs. That is why it is very recommended to watch the hens after they lay their eggs.

If you notice that the eggs are abandoned by the hens, then make sure to move them to an incubator right away as soon as possible. You can follow the instructions of incubating turkey or pheasant eggs if you cannot find specific instructions for incubating guinea fowl eggs, and in any case, the incubating period for guinea fowl eggs is usually between 26 and 28 days. Once the keets have hatched, you need to do your best to take care of them until they are strong enough to take care of themselves. A broody hen could be very useful sometimes for hatching the eggs and raising the keets.

Source: YEN.com.gh

• Cette nouvelle est disponible en Français

Ghana: Rearing guinea fowl proves reliable business for farmers

Martina Bugriba | March 1, 2020

Share this:

Download this story

Drought, erratic rainfall, and prolonged dry seasons have drastically reduced maize and rice yields in the Northern Region of Ghana in recent years. So farmer Mba Wulana started rearing guinea fowl to ensure a more reliable income. He sells up to 85 birds in bulk every six months to earn about $2,500 US. Rearing guinea fowl requires good practices for hatching and feeding the young keets. Mr. Wulana places up to 20 eggs in a broken, oval-shaped pot with a grass nest inside. Guinea fowl hens hatch their keets after 28 days, and he turns the eggs continuously during this period to ensure they hatch.

It’s a chilly harmattan morning and Mba Wulana is energetically walking through his farm, a bag of guinea fowl feed on his head. The 35-year-old farmer is carrying maize to feed his birds. He smiles and says, “I just went to pick some grains for my guinea fowl.” He supplements the grain feed with termites from anthills.

Mr. Wulana farms in Taha, a community in Sagnarigu municipality in the Northern Region of Ghana. He inherited a farm from his father 20 years ago and has been growing maize and rice for a long time. But recently, he started raising guinea fowl because of drought, erratic rainfall, and prolonged dry seasons, all of which drastically reduced his yields.

He needed an alternative way to earn income to support his family and raising guinea fowl was an easy choice because he was already experienced in raising the birds.

He explains, “I started rearing guinea fowls with my father at the age of 15 and that was the time I acquired the skill.” He adds, “I am able to produce up to 85 guinea fowl every six months.”

Mr. Wulana sells each guinea fowl for 30 Ghanaian cedi ($5.60 US), for an annual income of about 5,000 Ghanaian cedi ($935 US), a lot more than the 1,600 cedis ($299 US) he was making growing maize and rice.

Apart from selling guinea fowl, Mr. Wulana also earns money from selling guinea fowl eggs. He uses the income to pay for his children’s education and to take care of the family. Guinea fowl eggs also serve as a source of protein for his children.

He prefers to sell the birds once every six months to earn income all at once. He explains, “I sell them in bulk so that I can use the money for something meaningful.”

There are many benefits to rearing guinea fowl. For example, Mr. Wulana collects guinea fowl droppings in a container and uses them as manure to increase crop yields. He says, “Not only does guinea fowl farming bring income, it also saves me from buying fertilizer.”

To increase the number of guinea fowl on his farm, Mr. Wulana buys eggs from nearby communities. He only buys eggs that are big with rough markings because, in his experience, they have a hatching rate of 99-100 per cent, higher than eggs with smoother surfaces.

To maintain a high rate of hatching, Mr. Wulana uses traditional methods such as placing up to 20 eggs in a broken, oval-shaped pot with a grass nest inside. Guinea fowl hens hatch their keets after 28 days, and Mr. Wulana turns the eggs continuously during this period.

He explains, “I normally remove the guinea fowl and turn the eggs each evening, especially when the weather is warm so that they would be fully turned for them to be able to hatch well.”

After 28 days, Mr. Wulana moves the keets to a farm hut and begins to feed them three times a day. He was trained by veterinary staff in his area how to feed guinea fowl.

Sayyid Alhassan is the chief executive officer of Alhassan Farms and an expert on raising guinea fowl. He says the mortality rate in traditional rearing is about 60 per cent, and that farmers should be trained how to reduce this rate by rearing the birds with modern methods. These include using incubators to hatch more eggs, better feeding and housing practices, and regular vaccinations.

Mr. Wulana’s income has improved dramatically since he began rearing guinea fowl. He says, “I bought two plots using money from guinea fowl farming. I have also begun molding blocks to begin constructing my house.”

This project was implemented by Farm Radio International Ghana through Uniterra, a program of WUSC and CECI. Uniterra is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, www.international.gc.ca

Photo by Nina Laflamme Photography.

Poultry Farming Business Plan

Starting a poultry business in Louisville, Kentucky , presents a lucrative opportunity for those looking to venture into the world of chicken farming business. With the right management, a poultry farming business can be highly profitable, making it one of the most rewarding endeavors in the agricultural industry.

In today’s scenario, the demand for poultry products is consistently growing, indicating the vast potential for success in the chicken farming business. This article aims to guide beginners on how to start chicken farming, from its initial stages as a small farm to the strategies involved in scaling it into a thriving and profitable enterprise.

Whether you’re considering a poultry business plan , interested in the nuances of poultry farming, or seeking guidance for a beginner poultry farming business plan, this article will provide valuable insights into the processes, challenges, and opportunities associated with poultry farming in Kentucky. Discover how to transform a small poultry farm into a successful venture, capitalizing on the thriving market for poultry products.

What is Poultry Farming

Poultry farming is about raising birds like chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys for their meat and eggs. It can be small or big – there’s a lot you can do.

Starting a chicken farm, whether it’s a small one or a larger operation, is what we call poultry farming. It’s all about growing birds for their meat, eggs, and sometimes feathers. Chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks are the main focus in this kind of farming. People also sometimes raise other birds like guinea fowl and squabs, but not as often.

So, if you have chicken business ideas and want to start a chicken farm, there are many possibilities. You can go for a small poultry farm design or think big – it’s up to you. Poultry farming offers different options for people who dream of having their own chicken farm business, no matter the size.

How to Start a Poultry Farming Business

If you are interested in being a poultry farm owner, our team of business plan writers in Louisville has crafted a sample business plan for poultry farming below to serve as your guide on how to start poultry farming. It is designed to assist you in making informed decisions and gaining insights into the details of poultry production, a crucial aspect of the animal industry in agriculture. This chicken farming business plan provides a starting point for your journey in planning and navigating the complexities of poultry farming.

Executive Summary

“Feather Grove Farm” (herein also referred to as “Feather Grove” or “the company”) was established on May 1, 2019 by Co-Founders, Mr. John Farmer and Ms. Emily Young. The company is strategically located to initiate a dynamic poultry farming venture in Louisville, KY.

In 2018, the United States imported and exported substantial amounts of poultry products, creating a notable gap in the market for locally produced, sustainable poultry. Feather Grove Farm aims to address this gap by establishing itself as a leading supplier of high-quality poultry products, reducing the reliance on foreign imports, and contributing to the growth of the domestic poultry industry.

Both Co-Founders bring unique skills to the venture. Mr. John Farmer, with a background in agricultural management, has successfully overseen various farming projects. On the other hand, Ms. Emily Young, with a wealth of experience in marketing and sales, will assume the role of Sales and Marketing Manager.

Feather Grove Farm is actively exploring opportunities in Kentucky for acquiring suitable agricultural land. The company is open to collaborations with local communities, government bodies, and fellow agriculture enterprises. This business plan outlines the strategic vision for Feather Grove over the first 5 years of operation, emphasizing positive contributions to the local community and economy.

Operationally, the business will encompass two core activities: (1) the breeding and sale of various poultry breeds and (2) the establishment of an educational farm experience, projected to launch in year 5. The breeding strategy involves constructing three state-of-the-art poultry houses, maximizing production capabilities and ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality poultry throughout the year. The educational farm experience, while contributing to community engagement and awareness, is seen as an integral part of Feather Grove’s broader impact strategy.

Currently, Feather Grove Farm is seeking a $1,340,000 loan to support the first year’s startup costs. The company projects breaking even within the first 18 months of operation and anticipates significant profits from the second year onwards. With support from stakeholders, Feather Grove aims to address the gap in locally produced poultry, create jobs, and establish a sustainable and profitable farming business that brings various benefits to the local community and the broader poultry industry.

Company Overview

Feather Grove Farm is not your typical farm – we’re all about poultry. We’re on a mission to set up a big poultry farm that will be a go-to place for chicken lovers. Our founders, Mr. John Farmer and Ms. Emily Young, each bring their own special skills to the table. John knows his way around farms, and Emily is a pro at selling and marketing.

Our mission is clear – we want to provide leading, locally raised poultry to our community and create a space where everyone can appreciate and enjoy chickens.

We dream of becoming the number one spot in town for amazing, high-quality poultry. And we want our farm to be a place that everyone talks about and can’t wait to visit.

Core Values

Here’s what we’re all about:

• Always Innovate: We love new ideas that make our farm better.
• Provide Unique Experiences: Your experience with our chickens matters the most.
• Build a Diverse Team: Teamwork makes everything run smoothly.
• Attention for Detail: Planning and paying attention to details are the keys to our success.
• Build a Better Community: We want to do good things. That means creating jobs, educating folks, and sharing lots of delicious poultry.

Goals and Objectives

Short-term Goals (Next 6-12 months)

• Get $1.5M USD to start everything up.
• Find the perfect piece of land for our farm.
• Build our first chicken coop and get our first batch of chicks.
• Hire a team to help us kick things off.

Medium-term Goals (Next 1-2 years)

• Start selling our poultry and break even by the 16th month.
• Make friends with local grocery stores, markets, and restaurants.
• Get our second chicken coop going and raise more chickens.

Long-term Goals (Next 2-5 years)

• Have three big chicken coops running smoothly.
• Open our farm to the public for everyone to enjoy.
• Welcome more than 47 awesome staff members to the Feather Grove family.

With everyone’s support, we believe we can turn this dream into a reality, bringing amazing poultry to the people and making our farm a special place for everyone.

Market Analysis

Feather Grove aims to navigate the challenges faced by the poultry industry, drawing inspiration from lessons learned in poultry farming.

Market Trends and Adaptations

• Local and Sustainable: Following the trend in poultry farming, there’s a rising demand for locally produced poultry. At Feather Grove, we prioritize sustainable and ethical farming practices, ensuring our community has access to fresh, locally sourced eggs.
• Digital Presence: Like the poultry farming sector’s shift to online platforms, Feather Grove embraces technology. We offer online ordering, home delivery, and even curbside pick-up to make it convenient for our customers.
• Technological Integration: Modern poultry farming involves smart monitoring systems. At Feather Grove, we leverage technology to monitor the well-being of our flock, ensuring they are healthy and happy.

Sales and Production

• Broiler Chicken Production: We specialize in the production of broiler chickens, ensuring they are raised in comfortable and well-maintained poultry houses. Our investment in optimal conditions reflects in the quality of our poultry.
• Egg Production: At Feather Grove, we concentrate on egg production. Our laying houses provide a conducive environment for hens, resulting in best-quality eggs.

Market Distribution

• Local Markets and Partnerships: Similar to the poultry farming sector, Feather Grove targets local and regional markets. We establish partnerships with local grocery stores, participate in farmers’ markets, and collaborate with restaurants to bring our products directly to consumers.
• Community-Centric Approach: Much like the emphasis on community impact in poultry farming, Feather Grove actively engages with the local community. We offer farm tours, educational programs, and explore opportunities to collaborate with local businesses.

Integration and Services

• Diversification of Income Streams: Taking a cue from the integrated approach in poultry farming, Feather Grove aims to diversify income streams. In addition to selling poultry products, we explore value-added services like processed chicken products, poultry manure for fertilizing, and educational programs.
• Holistic Farming Experience: Feather Grove aims to offer a holistic farming experience. Our farm is not just a place to buy eggs; it is  a community hub where people can learn about sustainable farming practices, participate in events, and connect with the journey of their food.

Products and Services

Our farm produces organic and free-range eggs. We prioritize the health and natural behavior of our laying hens, resulting in superior-quality eggs with rich flavors and nutritional benefits.

Broiler Chickens

Our broiler chickens are raised in spacious, well-ventilated environments. We provide them with a balanced diet, ensuring the production of tender and flavorful meat. Our commitment to ethical farming practices extends to the entire lifecycle of our chickens.

Additional Services

In addition to our poultry products, we offer services such as poultry farming consultation and educational programs. These services aim to share our expertise with aspiring farmers and raise awareness about ethical farming practices.

Marketing Plan

Feather Grove Poultry Farm takes pride in being the exclusive representative of the Kentucky Poultry Club (KPC), an esteemed company in the poultry industry. This strategic partnership positions us to source unique, patent-protected chicken breeds, providing FGPF with a distinct advantage over competitors in the market. Our primary revenue streams will be generated through the sale of these exclusive poultry breeds and visitor admissions to our innovative poultry farm.

Pricing Model

Feather Grove is committed to offering good-quality and exclusive poultry breeds to our customers. The pricing model for our products and services will be designed to reflect the uniqueness and value of these breeds. As we set out, our focus will be on providing transparency and fair pricing to our customers, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the exclusivity of our offerings.

Competitive Advantage

Our competitive edge lies in the exclusive partnership with the Kentucky Poultry Club (KPC), offering us access to unique and patent-protected chicken breeds that set Feather Grove apart in the market.

Unique and Proprietary Chicken Breeds

Through our collaboration with KPC, we gain access to chicken breeds that are not only unique but also protected by patents. This exclusive access allows FGPF to introduce a variety of chicken breeds to our customers that they won’t find elsewhere. The distinctiveness of our poultry breeds enhances our brand reputation and market positioning.

Poultry Farm Experience Center

Feather Grove will leverage the exclusive chicken breeds to create a unique and innovative poultry farm experience center. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness and interact with these special breeds, making their visit to Feather Grove memorable and educational. Revenue from visitor admissions will complement our sales of exclusive poultry breeds, creating a diversified income stream.

Key Success Factors

The success of Feather Grove is underpinned by various factors critical to our performance, profitability, and our ability to make the most of the exclusive offerings from the Kentucky Poultry Club.

• Effective Marketing and Branding: Communicating the exclusivity of our poultry breeds and the unique experience at our farm.
• Visitor Engagement and Experience: Providing a memorable and educational experience for visitors to the poultry farm.
• Efficient Operations: Ensuring efficient farm operations for the breeding and care of exclusive chicken breeds.
• Strategic Pricing: Implementing a pricing strategy that reflects the value of our exclusive offerings while remaining accessible to customers.
• Collaboration with Kentucky Poultry Club: Maintaining a strong and collaborative relationship with KPC for a continuous supply of unique poultry breeds.
• Customer Satisfaction: Prioritizing customer satisfaction through transparent practices and excellent service.
• Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the local community to foster support and awareness of our exclusive poultry farm.
• Feather Grove Poultry Farm is poised to redefine the poultry farming experience, offering customers and visitors something truly special through our exclusive partnership with the Kentucky Poultry Club.

Let's Get Started!

• Your Name *
• Email Address *
• Phone Number

Sales and Marketing Plan

At Feather Grove Poultry Farm, our sales approach centers around a “direct to source” strategy. Establishing robust relationships with key customers is our priority, complemented by our commitment to delivering top-notch poultry products and impeccable execution.

Target Customers

Our target customers are strategically categorized based on revenue potential, with a focus on establishing strong connections and delivering quality products.

United Poultry Association (UPA): We aim to secure substantial revenue through strategic collaboration with UPA, leveraging their network to sell our premium poultry breeds to various stakeholders, with a primary focus on exporters.

Local Grocers:

Louisville Grocers: To build partnerships with local grocers to feature our exclusive poultry products.

Educational and Social Events: Targeting local event planners involved in educational and social events provides an opportunity to showcase our poultry farm as a unique and engaging venue. By forming partnerships with event planners, we aim to cater to their specific poultry-related needs.

Sales Strategies

Direct Relationship Building: To forge direct relationships with key customers, understanding their unique needs and preferences.

Product Showcase Events: To host events showcasing our poultry breeds, inviting potential customers like exporters, grocers, florists, and event planners to experience the quality firsthand.

Educational Workshops: To conduct workshops for local grocers and educate them on the distinct features and benefits of our poultry breeds.

Customized Offerings: To tailor our offerings to meet the specific requirements of each customer segment, ensuring a personalized and impactful approach.

Marketing Strategies

Online Presence: To establish a professional and user-friendly website to showcase our poultry breeds, pricing, and farm-related activities.

Social Media Campaigns: To leverage social media platforms to create awareness and engage with potential customers. Regular updates, promotions, and customer testimonials will be shared.

Local Collaborations: To collaborate with local associations, such as the Kentucky Poultry Club, to enhance our visibility in the community.

Participation in Local Events: To actively participate in local fairs, farmers’ markets, and community events to interact directly with potential customers.

Have Questions? Looking To Get Started?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

SWOT Analysis

Operational Plan

Feather Grove Poultry Farm aims to create a seamless operational process, offering both products and services to cater to retailers, wholesalers, and direct consumers. The combination of the farming area and the innovative visitor center is designed to attract a diverse range of customers, making it a popular destination for those seeking quality chicken products.

Operational Process

Farming Area 

Service Offering: Growing a variety of chickens for sale.

Products Sold: Eggs and chicken products.

Feed Source: Direct sourcing of chicken feeds from Kentucky Poultry Club (KPC).

Payment Method: 100% upfront payment in cash.

Visitor Center 

Service Offering: Visitor center with unique landscape and design.

Features: Walking paths

Target Audience: Tourists, potential chicken and egg buyers, and the general public.

Payment Methods: 100% upfront payment accepted in cash.

Equipment & Inventory

Farming Area: Chicken coops, feeding equipment, farming tools.

Visitor Center: Seating arrangements and visitor amenities.

Inventory: Chicken feeds, eggs, poultry-related merchandise.

Business Operation: 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday).

Hours: 8 am to 5 pm

Management Team

John Farmer 

Co-Founder & Farm Manager

John Farmer is an accomplished and results-driven agricultural professional with over 15 years of experience in managing and optimizing farm operations. Mr. Farmer’s expertise lies in crop cultivation, precision farming, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. John has a proven track record of increasing yields and profitability through strategic planning and innovative technologies. As a hands-on leader, Mr. Farmer has successfully overseen large-scale farming operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to quality standards. John is passionate about harnessing technology for agricultural advancements and is committed to contributing to the growth and sustainability of the farming industry.

Emily Young

Co-Founder & Marketing & Sales Officer 

Emily Young is a dedicated agricultural scientist specializing in farming and poultry. With a Master’s degree in Agricultural Science, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge in crop genetics, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. Ms. Young’s research contributions have been published in leading agricultural journals, showcasing strong dedication to advancing the field. Emily excels in designing and conducting experiments to enhance crop resilience and productivity. Emily’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement aligns with the vision of creating more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscapes, especially in the poultry farming sector.  Ms. Young is poised to make lasting contributions to the farming and poultry sectors working towards a more sustainable and promising future for agriculture.

Key Personnel 

The following section outlines each individual role, and their respective responsibilities:

Farm Manager

Oversees the day-to-day operations of the poultry farm. This includes managing the care and health of the poultry, overseeing feeding programs, and monitoring environmental conditions are in place. The farm manager is also responsible for coordinating staff, maintaining equipment, and implementing health and safety protocols on the farm.

Marketing & Sales Officer 

This role involves developing marketing strategies, establishing relationships with retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, and ensuring that the poultry products reach the intended customers. The coordinator may also be involved in market analysis, pricing strategies, and promotional activities to boost sales.

Quality Assurance Specialist

Responsible for maintaining and improving the quality standards of poultry products. The specialist may also be involved in implementing quality control measures throughout the production process, from breeding and raising poultry to processing and packaging.

Poultry Care Specialist

Responsible for the direct care and health of the poultry.

Equipment Maintenance

Manages the maintenance and upkeep of farm equipment.

Organization Structure

Financial Plan

The financial projections presented here is a result of careful planning by the management team at Feather Grove Poultry Farm. These projections look ahead and are subject to securing the required funding. It is the responsibility of the audience to conduct their own thorough investigation.

Considering the current state of the market and the specifics of our business, we outline the expected funding needs for the initial year of operations in the following financial plan. This plan serves as a transparent guide, showcasing our commitment to sound financial practices and strategic management.

INCOME STATEMENT

The Pro Forma Income Statement outlines the company’s anticipated financial performance for the next three years, with gross revenue projections of $456,795 in Year 1, $629,776 in Year 2, and $813,124 in Year 3. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) show positive growth, reaching $111,548 in Year 1, $180,456 in Year 2, and $248,423 in Year 3. The Pro Forma Income Statement provides key insights into the company’s profitability and financial trajectory.

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

The Pro Forma Cash Flow Statement is a vital component of the business plan, projecting cash inflows and outflows over the next three years. It anticipates a strong start in Year 1 with an opening cash balance of $10,000, followed by significant growth in Year 2 with an opening balance of $33,388. By Year 3, the business is poised for continued success, starting with an opening cash balance of $69,756. The statement serves as a critical tool for financial planning, providing insights for strategic decision-making and ensuring effective management of cash resources .

BALANCE SHEET

The Pro Forma Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of the company’s financial standing over the next three years, showcasing a progressive increase in total assets from $80,100 in the opening year to $760,612 in Year 3. Shareholders’ equity, a combination of invested equity, cumulative retained earnings, and dividends paid, is anticipated to grow from $70,100 in the opening year to $271,492 in Year 3, indicating a positive trajectory for the company’s financial health.

Creating a plan for your chicken farm is a wise step, especially when applying for funding. By utilizing a business plan format , you will gain valuable insights. As you learn about the chicken farming industry, your competitors, and your customers, you can develop an effective and strategic marketing plan . This process will help you understand what it takes to start and grow a successful chicken farming business.

In the US, more and more business owners are looking for business plan templates using phrases like sample poultry business plan pdf, poultry farming business plan pdf, poultry business plan pdf, and even poultry business plan pdf South Africa. This indicates that entrepreneurs recognize the significance of having a well-organized business plan outline , including an operational plan , for their chicken farms. These templates are valuable because they offer insights into the specifics of the chicken farming industry and help in developing a robust marketing strategy. As more individuals seek guidance in starting successful chicken farms, these templates become essential for making informed decisions and ensuring sustained growth in the industry.

If you’ve been exploring a chicken business plan, poultry farm business plan, or chicken poultry business plan and you’re still looking for an easy way to create your own, you are in the right place. BSBCON offers business plan writing services across different industries, and many businesses have achieved great success with our help.

Our expert business plan writers specialize in simplifying the process of how to start a poultry farm with winning business plans. Whether you are starting a chicken farm, a larger poultry project, or a combination of both, our expertise in creating effective plans can be a significant help.

Take your poultry farm dreams to new heights with a business plan that sets you up for success. Reach out to us today.

How can we help you?

Get in touch with us or visit our office

Guinea Fowl: Guide to Raising These Chatty Birds

by Linda Matthews

You may have heard the loud chatter of guinea fowl or maybe you’ve seen the strange-looking, chicken-like creature with a tiny head and big body.  Some people think that guineas are small turkeys, while others think they are domesticated vultures.  Even though guineas are subject to many questions and speculation, one thing is clear:  guinea fowl can be an entertaining, hard-working addition to the homestead.

In addition to vital pest control, guinea fowl produce seasonal eggs, are a great protein source, and announce visitors (both welcome and unwelcome) to the homestead.  They come in a variety of colors, are low maintenance, and provide hours of entertainment with their silly antics. 

What is a Guinea Fowl and How Did it Get Here?

To state that guinea fowl are unique may be an understatement.  There are up to ten species of guinea fowl that are native to West Africa.  The most common domesticated species is the helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and all species are part of the same scientific family that also includes pheasants, turkeys, chickens, and grouse.

It is still uncertain how guinea fowl, commonly known as guineas or guinea hens, made their way from their native West Africa to the United States.  Some believe that they came over with Spanish explorers, while others believe they found their way over on slave ships.  However they made it here, they have developed into a hardy, domesticated breed that is valued for their barnyard protection and insect control as well as their flavorful meat.

What Does a Guinea Fowl Look Like?

Guinea fowl have their own unique appearance and certainly look different than chickens.  They have a large, curved body with a long skinny neck.  Their head is small and featherless, and they have a crest on their head, a small beak, and long eyelashes.  Most guinea fowl, as we know them today as domesticated poultry have gray feathers with white spots that make it look a little like they are wearing a tweed coat.  They do come in other colors as well, including:

Guinea fowl are strong fliers.  Unlike chickens, who propel themselves up in the air for a few seconds, guinea fowl become strong fliers at an early age and are soon able to fly 400 to 500 feet at a time.  They love to roost in trees, will fly over fences, and may even sit on top of your house.  And don’t let their funny round bodies fool you!  They are fast runners but unlike chickens, you never want to grab a guinea by the legs or feet because they abruptly twist around and their legs could be easily broken. 

How Can You Tell the Sex of Guinea Fowl?

Baby guinea fowl, known as keets, are impossible to sex.  In fact, the only way you can tell if the keet is a guinea hen (female) or a guinea cock (male) is through a blood test.  As the birds mature, there are some differences, though subtle, that can give you a clue as to the sex of the guinea. 

• Listen!   As you get more accustomed to guineas, you will become more familiar with their chatter.  Guinea hens tend to make a two-syllable noise that is specific to females only.  Kind of sounds like ka-trak, ka-trak, or buckwheat, buckwheat.  Both sexes will emit one-syllable calls, but the hens are the only ones that can make the calls with two. 
• Waddles. You may have to look closely to get a good comparison, but the guinea cock has larger waddles, as well as larger helmets than the hens.

Since we are discussing sexing of guinea fowl, it is a great opportunity to bring up that guineas can be cross-bred with some other species.  When breeders cross them with a chicken, the hybrid is called a guinea-hen, and when crossed with a peafowl, it is then called a pea-guinea.  The offspring, though, will be sterile and unable to reproduce.

Guinea Fowl Eggs and Meat

Guinea eggs are different from chicken eggs in several ways.  Though they taste somewhat the same and can be used interchangeably, they are richer in flavor and creamier than chicken or duck eggs.  Even though they are about 25% smaller than the average chicken egg, they are packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. They are light brown in color and have a hard shell and pointed end.  Once you crack them open, you are in for a surprise: the yolk content is higher than the white content and the yolks are usually a deeper shade of orange. 

Guinea hens are seasonal layers, laying primarily from March to October, with the average hen producing between 140 to 150 eggs annually.  She will start laying once she is six or seven months old and will continue for the next five years or so.  They normally lay in the late morning or sometimes in the early afternoon.  If your hens free-range, you will need to spend some time looking for eggs.  Free-range hens develop a communal nest in a secluded area on the ground and the guinea cock will usually be in charge of guarding the nest.  Even if your guinea hens are confined to a coop they will not normally lay in a nesting box but prefer to lay on the floor.

Guinea meat tastes a lot like chicken, but with a richer, more-flavorful gamier taste similar to pheasant.  It is very lean, rich in amino acids, and pairs well with most herbs and seasonings.  It can be eaten fried, roasted, or braised with butter or duck fat.  The dark meat is tender and can be prepared on the grill, in the oven, or on the stove but because it is so lean, additional fat normally needs to be used.

Temperament

Guinea fowl are not known for their intelligence, which is probably one of the reasons that they are so skittish and easily alarmed.  They tend to focus on one thing at a time and have been known to run across the yard chasing a bee or fly that flew by their head.  If they are with other guinea fowl, they are highly social and tight-knit.  They can exist with other poultry as long as they have their space to get away if needed.  They seldom get broody and tend to be highly monogamous creatures.

Though guinea fowl are social and funny, they are not ideal for small, suburban yards.  They will fly over fences and roost in trees and hang out on your neighbor’s roof.  But even that isn’t the reason that many city ordinances do not allow guinea fowl:

It’s the Noise!

Guinea fowl are noisy!  They make noise when they are scared…when they are happy…when there is a visitor or intruder…when they are socializing with members of the flock…or for no reason at all.  And it is loud!  They have a constant chatter with either one or two-syllable calls that seems never-ending.  The noise level seems to get louder when they are disturbed so if you have some cranky neighbors, consider this before purchasing.

Caring for Guinea Fowl

Guinea fowl tend to be one of the most low-maintenance species that you can have on the homestead.  Their housing and nutritional requirements make them easy-care, but can also make them difficult to handle, catch, or even locate.

Housing  

Technically, you do not need a barn or coop for your guinea.  They are perfectly content to forage for food, roost in trees, and lay their eggs on the ground.  Letting them free range on small acreage may have them visiting neighbors or moving to forested areas of the property.  It also makes it difficult to catch them if you need to and makes it hard to locate nests to gather their eggs. 

If you choose to keep your guinea fowl in a coop, they can be trained to go in at night and roost inside.  It does, however, take patience and perseverance on your part.  Keeping them in an enclosed pen or coop for a reasonable length of time is the best way to contain them and teach them that this is their home.  If you choose to fence them, remember that their wingspan can be up to six feet, so they are able to take flight easily unless you clip their wings. 

Most guinea fowl do well enough with normal poultry diets.  If they are allowed to forage for themselves, they actually will do well on their own, getting their protein from mosquitoes, ticks, worms, and other insects.  They do consume some amount of greens and tend to be less destructive to young seedlings in gardens than chickens.  Though guinea fowl can go for several days without water, they do require access to fresh, clean water to keep them at their healthiest.  They also love a little scratch thrown on the ground and the occasional oyster shell or grit.

Even though the guinea fowl is native to West Africa and the hot and humid climate there, they do surprisingly well in other climates too.  They can handle cold and rain but tend to find shelter when it snows.  Their feathers tend to insulate their bodies, but their lack of feathers on their head and their tiny legs lets heat escape if temperatures dip too low. 

Guineas are a pretty hardy species, but as with most poultry, they are more fragile when they are first born.  For general good health practices, give them plenty of room, a healthy diet, and clean fresh water. 

Guinea fowl do the best in large flocks because of the social aspects.  The average lifespan of a guinea hen is approximately 12 years.  However, they are susceptible to many predators including wildcats, wolves, dogs, and humans.  Bears, weasels, foxes, and hawks prey on guineas. Depending on where you live, they can also be threatened by large snakes, crocodiles, or any other predators that would be a threat to any poultry species. 

Pros and Cons of Owning Guinea Fowl

There are many pros and cons to making guinea fowl part of your homestead.  It is a personal preference and depends on why you want them, where you live, and the time and money you plan to invest.  You can purchase guinea fowl at many farm supply stores, hatcheries, and from local breeders and farmers.  Or once you get your own, you can incubate your own eggs and add to your flock.

• No need to call the pest control service if you have a flock of guinea fowl.  They are ravenous foragers of everything from insects to snakes and have even been known to take on a rat or two.  They will remove the ticks and mosquitos, garden pests, and all the other insects they can find. 
• They are great for issuing loud warnings when they spot intruders, human and non-human.  You will hear their incessant chatter as long as they are uncomfortable or feel threatened.
• They are low maintenance.  They will forage for most of their food and will roost in trees, making their care worry-free.
• They will take the bugs from your garden without totally destroying your plants and vegetables.
• They are disease-resistant and will forage for most of their food, saving you in feed costs and disease treatment.
• They are loud…and can be annoying.  It could make it difficult for you to own guinea fowl in urban or suburban locations.
• They are fast!  These little four-pounders can fly over your head or can run over 20 miles per hour.  This can be good if they are running from predators, but not so great if you are trying to catch them.
• Guinea fowl are known to be bullies.  Just like the pecking order found in most chicken coops, guinea fowl will not only bully each other but often your other birds as well.
• Guinea fowl are not smart.  Because they cannot think very well, they leave themselves susceptible to predators, even though they could sometimes fly away or outrun the predator.

Raising guinea fowl is not for everyone.  It can, however, be a worthy investment, as well as provide entertainment for you and your family.  They look funny, they act silly, and they chant and squawk, making the neighbors cringe.  But they diminish the tick and mosquito population, keep snakes out of the chicken coop, and let us know if a fox or coyote (or mailman) is nearby.  They supply eggs and meat and require little feed or housing.  They are not, however, pets, like some chickens and they do not do well in small yards or confined areas.  They fly high and run fast, so if not confined, are nearly impossible to catch.

If you are just starting out and wondering which animals to add to your homestead, here’s some food for thought .

Trying to decide which animals to add?

Check out the “Choosing Livestock for Your Homestead” online course

Linda Matthews is a freelance writer who lives with her husband, dog, cat, goats, chickens, bees, and yes-Guinea fowl, in the Missouri Ozarks.

The post Guinea Fowl: Guide to Raising These Chatty Birds appeared first on The Thrifty Homesteader .