Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1918-01-17
GUINEA Fow..s STEADILY INCREASING IN A.EMANp.
From the United States Department Of
Agriculture.)

F'rom the United States Department of
Agriculture.)
Guinea fowls, which have suffered
unpopularity with farmers because of
pronounced propensities for noise
making during the sleeping hours Of
humans, are likely to rise above this
objection in view Of the steadily in
creasing demand for their delicious
flesh, In the opinion of poultry spe-
cialist of the United States depart
ment Of agriculture. With Eastern
markets offering rs cents to $1.50 a
pair for these fowls, guinea-fowl rails
Ing now liz a profitable side line on
Eastern farms, and many offer oppor-
tunities to the commercial poultryman
In a few cases. In Farmers Bulletin
1853, s'The Guinea Fowl" the specialist
discusses the guinea business from the
starting of flock to marketing the
produce, which is largely the meat.
Demand Is Increasing.
The increasing demand for guinea
fowls, the specialist says, comes 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 delicacy in
banquets and club dinners, guineas be-
ing a good substitute for game birds
such as grouse, partridge, quail, and
pheasant. The present supply comes
largely from small farm fioeks Of 10 to
% fowls. Such flocks require little
care and expense to raise; consequent
By the marketing price is largely profit.
And as for that undesirable cry of
the guinea fowl, the department spe-
cialist admits that this Is a rather OBJ
jectionable habit, but declares that it
might often be listed as an asset. 1t
gives warning of marauders in the
poultry yard and also, backed by pug
nacious disposition, constitutes an ef-
fective show Of fight against hawks
and other enemies In fact, says the
poultryman, some farmers raise few
guinea fowls with their turkeys and
allow them to roost together so that a
warning will be given If any theft is.
Develop Private Trade.
Guinea fowl raisers who are near the
large Eastern markets or who have de-
veloped trade among private custom
ers are now receiving prices that make
this industry very profitable. One poul-
tryman near 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 SIPS pair.
Wholesale prices In New York usually
range from Is cents to- 81 pair for
dressed spring guineas weighing two
pounds to the pair, and from $1.25 to
$3.50 pair for those weighing three
to four pounds to the pair. Old guinea
fowls are not wanted and seldom bring
more than SO or go cents pair.
OF the three varieties of guinea fowl
pearl, white and lavender-pearl is.
by far the most popular. 1t has a
purplish gray plunage 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 81 to $3.50 pair,
or from SIS to So trio. Eggs from
purebred birds for hatehing can be OBJ
tanned for rs cents to- 81 for Is. Dur
ing the last few years limited market
for guinea eggs has developed among
commercial hateheries which have an
outlet for few day-old guinea chicks
along with their ordinary chicks, duck
lings, goslings, and turkey poults.
While guineas can be kept in the best
condition upon free range, they can be
confined if necessary and satisfactory
results obtained.
Marketing Guinea Fowls.
The marketing season for guinea
fowls is during the latter part of the
summer an6 throughout the fall. At
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 guineas
weigh from one to one and one-half
pounds, and at this size they begin
reaching Ine markets. In August. AS
the season advances the demand is
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
airds to market 1t Is advisable to In
nire of the dealer to whom they are