Incubating Guinea Fowl

We were born on 29 December 2024 

The Joy of Hatching your own Guineafowl eggs.

I hatched one batch of eggs and I was hooked,  now I hatch keets for any  responsible pet owners in my area.

Hatching and raising guineafowl can be a delightful and rewarding experience for anyone interested in poultry. Known for their adorable appearance and unique personalities, guineafowl are not just charming companions; they also serve practical purposes, such as pest control in your backyard and providing delicious eggs. This blog will walk you through the process of hatching guineafowl eggs, what is needed for their care, and tips for raising happy and healthy birds.

The Fascinating Hatching Process

Hatching guineafowl is an exciting journey. Under the right conditions, you can expect the eggs to hatch in approximately 26 to 28 days. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:   My last batch started hatching on day 25.

1. Choosing the Right Eggs

Before you begin, it's essential to select healthy, fertilized eggs. You can source them from local farms or buy them online. Make sure the eggs are not too old and you need to rest eggs that have been send in the mail for 24 hours before incubating.  Look for eggs that are clean and have no cracks or blemishes.

2. Setting Up the Incubator

Guineafowl require specific temperature and humidity levels to hatch successfully:

Temperature:** 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators and about 101°F (38.3°C) for still-air incubators.

Humidity:  Maintain humidity levels around 50-55% for the first 25 days. This should increase to 65% during the last few days of incubation, known as lockdown.  You can also do dry incubating and raise the humidity for hatching.

3. Turning the Eggs

For the best results, turn the eggs multiple times a day. I was so new to farming and hatching eggs that I did not know that automatic turners existed  lol  Automatic turners make this task easier, but if done manually, be sure to turn them at least 3-5 times a day.

4. Waiting for Hatching Day

As the hatching date approaches, prepare a brooder for the keets (baby guineafowl).

What You’ll Need for Raising Guineafowl

Once the eggs hatch, it's crucial to provide a suitable environment for the keets. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure their health and happiness

 1. Setup a Brooder

Your brooder should be a warm, safe space for the keets to thrive. 

Heat Source.  Use a heat lamp or pad to maintain a temperature of 90°F (32°C) for the first week, gradually lowering the temperature.