When we moved to Patina Meadow, there was one animal I was particularly excited to add to our menagerie. So excited, in fact, that I had our friend and contractor Decker and his family raise them before we even arrived.
Now, you’re probably asking yourself, "What animal, Brooke? Horses? Alpacas? Llamas?"
Nope. Guineafowl!
I know that response has probably raised more questions than it answers—like, what is a guineafowl and why on earth were you so excited to have them?
Guineafowl are birds native to Africa, similar in size to chickens, known for their distinct appearance and what I would call “unique” behaviors.
Their distinct appearance is due to their largely bare heads and necks and their oddly shaped bodies. Some find them rather unattractive; I, on the other hand, have come to find them quite adorable.
They are highly social birds, traveling in tight flocks.
When one of them strays or senses danger, they sound the alarm—seriously. If their physical characteristics don’t charm you, I’m afraid their unmistakable call won’t win you over either. However, I will say, as a proud owner of guineafowl, this too grows on you! They have become our personal alarm system, alerting us to anything that may be amiss.
Now, although I find them cute and their calls charming, these weren’t my main motivations for adding them to our flock.
When we moved to Tennessee, there was so much I was excited for, but there was one thing I was terrified of: ticks. And while I may loathe them, guineafowl love to eat them, along with other insects and small rodents. They have a natural foraging behavior, tirelessly hunting for a snack.
When we first added them to the property, we thought we would just maintain the original 24, but they had other plans. Last year, we noticed a few nests popping up around the property—under tractors, behind compost piles, in the tall grasses—you name it, they laid their eggs there. We watched, hoping for more of these glorious birds to emerge, and sure enough, a few did!
We kept them safe while they grew, and eventually, we had about 20 more roaming around! This year, we’ve had another successful hatching, so we’re continuing to add to our numbers, which is great, because they do have a tendency to wander off the farm to other homes!'
We are thrilled to have these sweet birds on the property; their calls add to the melody of Patina Meadow!
I hope you learned something new today! Do you think you would ever consider adding these quirky birds to your family? Let us know in the comments.
xx
Brooke
Hi Brooke .. Its been a minute since I’ve seen you all. Use to get your daily trek video out in the California Farm to feed all the fabulous family of amazing animals you fead each day!! Just wanted to say Hello, & I still refer to all of your books I’ve collected!! Love them. And they are signed & so special to me! Just wondering if you still have those beautiful mini cows that you had at the California farm…just loved them!! Also was wondering if you send out a catalog of your store merchandise? Would love to sign up if so. Would love to purchase & I am in need a few of the Wiggly Wooden serving spoons,…
Yes! They are an amazing addition to any daily experience on a farm (and not to mention the benefit of their tick hunting). We may have to inquire about a small flock that would like to relocate to a farm up the road a spell from you. So, until that conversation begins... enjoy :)
Saw my first ones in Zambia. My neighborhood in Idaho has quails. Love them all!