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Guinea Fowl: Varieties, Characteristics and Types (Pearl, White & Lavender)
Guinea fowl are domesticated poultry species valued for their meat, eggs, distinctive appearance, and adaptability to different production systems.
Guinea fowl derive their name from Guinea, a region on the West Coast of Africa. Domestic guinea fowl descended from one of the wild species native to Africa and have been domesticated for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans were known to raise them as table birds.
There are three important varieties of domesticated guinea fowl, namely:
- Pearl
- White
- Lavender
Pearl Guinea Fowl
Pearl is the most common variety of domesticated guinea fowl and is characterized by dark gray or slate-colored plumage covered with numerous small, white, pearl-like spots. It is widely kept for meat and egg production and is also valued for its hardiness and adaptability to a range of environmental conditions.
White Guinea Fowl
White guinea fowl are characterized by predominantly white plumage, which distinguishes them from the more common Pearl variety. Their light-colored feathers give them a distinctive appearance, and they may be raised for meat and egg production as well as for ornamental purposes.
Lavender Guinea Fowl
Lavender guinea fowl have soft lavender or pale gray plumage with numerous white spots, giving them a distinctive and attractive appearance. This variety is primarily valued for its ornamental characteristics, although it can also be maintained for meat and egg production.
