Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1917-11-30


Guinea fowls, which have suffered
unpopularity with farmers because of
pronounced p%ropensities for Noise
making during the sleeping hours of
humans, are likely to rise above this
objection in view Of the steadily in
creaslng demand for their delicious
flesh, in the opinion Of a poultry spe-
cialist Of the United States depart
ment of agriculture. With Eastern
markets Offering 20 cents TO $1.5O a
pair for these fowls, ~gulnea-fOwl rails
ing now is a profitable side line on
Eastern farms, and many offer Oppor-
tunities to the commercial poultryman
in a few cases. In Farmers Bulletin
1858, "The Guinea Fowl" the specialist
discusses the guinea business from the
starting of a flock to marketing the
produce, which is largely the meat.
Demand lie Increasing.
The increasing demand for guinea
fowls, the specialist says, m from
hotels and restaurants in the large
cities, which are always eager to buy
prime young stock. These they partic-
ularly like to use as a delicacy in
banquets and club dinners, g%uineas be-
ing a good substitute for game birds
such as grouse, partridge, quail, and
pheasant. The present supply comes
largely from small farm flocks Of 10 to
% fowls. Such fiOcks require little
care and expense to raise; consequent
ly the marketing price is largely profit.
And as for that undesirable cry Of
the guinea fowl, the department spe-
clalist admits that this is a rather OBJ
tectiOnable habit, but declares that 1t
might often be listed as an asset. 1t
gives warning of marauders in the
poultry yard and also, backed by a pug
nacious disposition, constitutes an eff
fective show Of fight against hawks
and other enemies. In fact, says the
poultryman, some farmers raise a few
guinea fowls with their turkeys and
allow them to roost together so that a
warning will be given IL any theft is
attempted during the night.
Develop Private Trade.
Guinea fowl raiseEs who are near the
large Eastern maFkets or who have de-
veloped a trade among private custom
ers are now recel wing prices that make
this industry very profitable. One poul-
tryman near a New England summer
resort has raised as many as 400
guinea fowls in one season, selling
them in August when they weighed
about one pound each at slips a pair.
Wholesale prices in New York usually
range from 75 CENTS to 81 a pair for
dressed spring &nineas Weighing two
pounds to the pair, and from $1.25 to
$3.50 a pair for those weighing three
to foul pounds to the pair. Old guinea
fowls are not wanted and seldom bring
more than 90 or go cents a pair.
OF the three varieties of guinea fowl
pearl, white and lavender-pearl is
by far the most popular. 1t has a
purplish gray plumage regularly dotted
or "pearled" with white and Is SO
handsome that frequently the feathers
are used for ornamental purposes.
Breeding stock of the various varie-
ties usually sells for 80 to $3.50 a pair,
or from SO to So a trio. Eggs from
purebred birds for Matching can be OBJ
tanned for 20 cents to 81 for 10. Dur
ing the last few years a limited market
for guinea eggs has developed among
commercial hatcheries which have an
outlet for a few day-old guinea chicks
along with their ordinary chicks, duck
llngs, gosllngs, and turkey pOults
While guinens can be kept in the best
condition upon free range, they can be
confined II necessary and satisfactory
results obtained.
Marketing Guinea Fowls.
The marketing season for guinea
fowls is during the latter part Of the
summer and throughout the fall. Al
this time the demand in the. city mar
kets is for young birds weighing from
one to two pounds each. At about two
and one-half months Of age gulneai
weigh from n to one and One-hall
pounds, and at this size they beglI
reaching the markets in August. As
the season advances the demand Ii
for heavier birds.
The usual practice In marketing
game birds is to place them on the
market unplucked, and in most mar
kets guinea fowls are sold In this way
! They are more attractive with the
feathers on and sell more readily
When dressed the small size and dark
color Of the guinea are likely to preju.
dice the prospective customer, who may
be unfamiliar with the birds excellent
eating qualities. For hotel and restau.
rant trade, however, guinea fowls
should be dressed In the same way as
common fowls. Before shipping any
birds to a market Il is advisable TO in.