French and regular Guineas.

[FriendlyFlyer]

Hello, could someone inform me about the differences between reguar Pearl Guineas and French Guineas? Such as: How much bigger are they? Do they lay as many or more eggs? Are they more cold hardy? etc.. basically any information. Thank you!

 

[PeepsCA]

I've never owned any French Guineas (or Jumbos), so I cannot speak from experience on this, but from what I've read... they are basically the same bird, the French variety were just developed to produce a bigger bird for the table. The only significant differences that I know of are the size/weight and the fact that it's believed that due to their size the French Guineas need to be artificially inseminated to be able to successfully reproduce (altho some have reported they can be more successfully at it if allowed to free range). I have also read that the French variety's Hens have a longer laying season... but I am not sure if that's with or without using artificial lighting to extend the season

Hopefully others that have raised them can tell you more.

French Guineas Weights - Males: 5-7 pounds, Hens: 4-5 pounds

Regular Guinea Weights - Males: 4 pounds, Hens: 3.5 pounds

All Guineas if well fed, protected from cold drafts and from getting soaked to the bone by rain/snow are pretty cold hardy.

 

[Fenika]

The French/Jumbos are also supposed to lay a larger egg. Nearly the same as a large chicken egg.

In my limited experience they are calmer and easier to train, but you still have to take the time to train them of course! This likely varies from breeder to breeder.

 

[PeepsCA]

Quote:
LOL yah, didn't even think about that aspect. Makes sense tho, bigger bird = bigger egg!

 

[FriendlyFlyer]

Yes! Thank you! I really appreciate everything you had to say, it was just what I was looking for. I'm all about more easygoing birds so I think they would be great to have. Plus, I've heard Guinea eggs are even better than chicken eggs, which would mean a large Guinea egg is like...GOLD!

 

[GuineaLady93]

I found this picture. They do look bigger!

 

[Fenika]

Oh, nice egg pics! They look golden (I wish

)

And keep in mind the Jumbos are *relatively* quieter (in temperment!!), and that's just my one inbred flock. They still have their crazy moments and they still scream all day. They'll never be a sane chicken, so make sure you are ready to put up with their antics and keep them from going feral.

 

[perchie.girl]

Very interesting....