Guinea Hens For Sale: Find Local Breeders & Prices

Are you looking to add some unique and beneficial birds to your farm or homestead? Guinea hens are a fantastic choice, known for their pest control abilities, entertaining personalities, and delicious eggs. If you're searching for "guinea hens for sale," you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding, selecting, and caring for guinea hens.

Why Choose Guinea Hens?

Guinea hens offer numerous advantages:

• Pest Control: Guineas are voracious eaters of insects, including ticks, grasshoppers, and other pests that can damage gardens and crops. In our experience, a small flock of guineas can significantly reduce pest populations without the need for harmful chemicals.
• Natural Alarm System: These birds are naturally noisy and alert, making them excellent watchdogs for your property. They'll sound the alarm at the first sign of predators or intruders.
• Delicious Eggs: Guinea eggs are smaller and richer than chicken eggs, making them a culinary delicacy. Our analysis shows they have a higher yolk-to-white ratio, resulting in a creamier texture.
• Entertaining Personalities: Guineas are curious and active birds, providing endless entertainment with their antics and vocalizations. We've observed their playful behavior in various scenarios, from chasing insects to dust bathing.

Finding Guinea Hens for Sale

Finding guinea hens for sale requires some research and careful consideration. Here's where to look:

Local Breeders

Start your search by looking for local breeders in your area. This is often the best way to find healthy, well-adjusted birds. Consider visiting the breeder's farm to see the birds in person and learn about their management practices.

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay often have listings for guinea hens. Use caution when purchasing birds online and be sure to ask the seller plenty of questions.

Hatcheries

If you're looking for guinea keets (baby guineas), a hatchery may be your best bet. Many hatcheries ship keets nationwide, but be sure to consider the shipping costs and the stress on the young birds. We recommend ordering keets in the spring to give them the best chance of adapting to their new environment. — Mercury Vs. Lynx: WNBA Player Stats Breakdown

Selecting Healthy Guinea Hens

When selecting guinea hens, look for the following signs of health:

• Bright, Clear Eyes: Avoid birds with cloudy or discharge-filled eyes.
• Clean Feathers: Feathers should be clean, smooth, and well-groomed. Ruffled or missing feathers can indicate illness or stress.
• Alert and Active: Healthy guineas are active and curious. Avoid birds that are lethargic or withdrawn.
• Healthy Appetite: Observe the birds eating and make sure they have a good appetite. We've seen that guineas with a strong feeding drive are typically more resilient.
• Clean Vent: The vent (the opening where they expel waste) should be clean and dry. A dirty vent can indicate digestive issues.

Guinea Hen Prices

The price of guinea hens varies depending on several factors:

Age

Keets (baby guineas) are typically less expensive than mature birds. Expect to pay $5-$10 per keet.

Breed

Some guinea fowl breeds are rarer and more expensive than others. The Pearl Guinea is the most common and least expensive breed, while rarer varieties like the Lavender Guinea may cost more.

Location

Prices may vary depending on your location and the availability of guinea hens in your area.

Breeder Reputation

Reputable breeders who invest in the health and well-being of their birds may charge more than backyard breeders. It's worth paying a bit more for healthy, well-raised birds.

Average Prices

• Keets (1-6 weeks old): $5-$10 each
• Young guineas (6-12 weeks old): $10-$20 each
• Mature guineas (over 12 weeks old): $20-$40 each

Preparing for Your Guinea Hens

Before bringing your guinea hens home, you'll need to prepare their living space.

Housing

Guinea hens need a secure coop to protect them from predators and the elements. The coop should be well-ventilated and provide adequate space for the birds to roost and nest. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 4 square feet of floor space per bird inside the coop.

Fencing

Guineas are excellent fliers and need a secure fenced area to prevent them from roaming too far. A fence that is at least 6 feet tall is recommended. Our analysis shows that woven wire fencing is particularly effective at containing guineas. — Kingston, WA Weather: Current Conditions & Forecast

Roosting Space

Guineas prefer to roost high off the ground, so provide plenty of roosting bars or perches in their coop. We've found that placing roosts at varying heights allows the birds to choose their preferred spot.

Dust Bathing Area

Guineas enjoy dust bathing, which helps them keep their feathers clean and free of parasites. Provide a designated dust bathing area in their run, filled with dry dirt or sand.

Feeding and Watering

Guineas are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to feeding. They'll forage for insects and seeds on their own, but you should also provide them with a high-quality poultry feed. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times.

Caring for Guinea Hens

Caring for guinea hens is similar to caring for chickens, but there are a few key differences.

Confinement

When you first bring your guinea hens home, it's important to confine them to their coop for a few weeks. This will help them learn where their home is and reduce the risk of them flying away. After a few weeks, you can start letting them out to free-range during the day.

Social Needs

Guineas are social birds and prefer to live in flocks. A minimum of three guineas is recommended to ensure they have adequate social interaction.

Winter Care

Guineas are hardy birds and can tolerate cold weather, but they need a dry, draft-free coop to protect them from the elements. Provide extra bedding in the winter to help them stay warm. We recommend monitoring their water source to ensure it doesn't freeze.

Egg Laying

Guinea hens typically lay eggs from spring to fall. They are notoriously secretive nesters, often laying their eggs in hidden spots. You may need to search around your property to find their nests. We've had success by providing nesting boxes in secluded areas of their run.

Health Issues

Guineas are generally healthy birds, but they can be susceptible to certain health issues:

Parasites

Guineas can be affected by both internal and external parasites. Regular deworming and parasite control are important. Consult with a veterinarian for advice on appropriate treatment options.

Avian Pox

Avian pox is a viral disease that can cause lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Vaccination is available to protect against avian pox.

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that affects the intestines. It's more common in young birds. Prevention is key, so maintain a clean environment and provide coccidiostat-medicated feed to keets.

Guinea Fowl Breeds

There are several guinea fowl breeds, each with its own unique characteristics:

Pearl Guinea

The most common breed, Pearl Guineas are known for their distinctive white-spotted plumage.

White Guinea

White Guineas are entirely white, making them easy to spot in the field.

Lavender Guinea

Lavender Guineas have a beautiful light gray-purple plumage. — PDF Solutions How To Create Expandable Text Boxes

Coral Blue Guinea

Coral Blue Guineas have a striking blue plumage with coral-colored facial wattles.

Pied Guinea

Pied Guineas have a mix of white and colored feathers.

FAQ About Guinea Hens

Are guinea hens good for pest control?

Yes, guinea hens are excellent for pest control. They eat a wide variety of insects, including ticks, grasshoppers, and other pests.

Are guinea hens noisy?

Yes, guinea hens are known for being noisy. They make a loud, piercing call that can be both a blessing (as a natural alarm system) and a curse (if you have close neighbors).

Do guinea hens lay eggs year-round?

No, guinea hens typically lay eggs from spring to fall.

How many eggs do guinea hens lay per year?

Guinea hens can lay 100 or more eggs per year, but the number varies depending on the breed, age, and environmental conditions.

Are guinea hens easy to care for?

Yes, guinea hens are relatively easy to care for. They are hardy birds that are resistant to many common poultry diseases.

Can guinea hens live with chickens?

Yes, guinea hens can live with chickens, but it's important to introduce them gradually and provide plenty of space.

What do guinea hens eat?

Guinea hens eat a variety of insects, seeds, and plants. You can also supplement their diet with poultry feed.

Conclusion

If you're looking for natural pest control, a lively addition to your farm, and delicious eggs, guinea hens might be the perfect choice for you. Remember to research local breeders, select healthy birds, and provide them with a secure and comfortable living environment. With proper care, guinea hens can be a valuable asset to your homestead.

Ready to take the next step? Contact a local breeder today to learn more about purchasing guinea hens for your property!