Guinea Fowl Eggs Features, Benefits, and Nutritional Value

Guinea fowl are often considered unique and intriguing birds, known for their distinct personalities and striking appearances. However, beyond their captivating presence, the birds are also prized for their eggs, which boast a flavor profile and nutritional value that sets them apart from more common poultry varieties. The guinea fowl eggs hold various unique characteristics waiting to be discovered. This guide will delve into everything you must know about these fascinating eggs, from their size and nutritional value to their taste.

What are guinea fowl eggs?

Guinea fowl eggs are the eggs laid by guinea fowl, a unique and domesticated bird species that belongs to the Numididae family. These birds are native to Africa but are now found in various parts of the world due to their popularity in poultry farming.

These offer a distinctive alternative to more common poultry eggs, providing a unique flavor and appearance that appeals to those seeking diversity in their culinary experiences. So, whether you’re a poultry enthusiast or a food connoisseur, exploring the world of guinea fowl eggs can open up new possibilities in the kitchen.

What do they look like?

Guinea fowl eggs have a distinct look compared to chicken eggs. Here’s a breakdown:

Size

They’re smaller, around 60% the size of a regular chicken egg. Imagine a chicken egg shrunk down a bit.

Shape

They’re more pointed on one end, giving them a slightly more elongated appearance compared to the rounder chicken egg.

Color

Their shells are typically brown, with faint speckles or spots. Some might describe them as light brown with reddish or black speckles.

Shell

Compared to chicken eggs, they have a much thicker and more rigid shell. This makes them feel like little rocks and helps them withstand more pressure during storage and transport.

In addition to these visual aspects, a guinea fowl egg’s yolk typically has a deeper golden-orange color than a chicken egg yolk.

Health benefits

The Guinea fowl eggs offer several potential health benefits, including:

Rich in protein

They contain about 25% more protein than chicken eggs, making them a good choice for building and repairing muscle tissue.

High in good fats

They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function and reduce inflammation.

Rich in vitamins and minerals

They contain vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune function, as well as vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. They are also a good folate, riboflavin, thiamine, and zinc source.

Low in carbohydrates

These eggs are a good option for people on low-carb diets. They contain only about 1 gram of carbohydrates per egg.

Stronger shells

The thicker shells of guinea eggs make them less likely to crack and break, reducing the risk of salmonella contamination.

Potential medicinal properties

In some cultures, these eggs are believed to have medicinal properties. They are sometimes used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and rheumatism.

Nutritional value

These eggs are a nutritious food source that balances protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional value:

Per 100g:

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 13.56g
• Fat: 12.09g
• Carbohydrates: 1.02g
• Fiber: 0.04g
• Ash: 0.79g
• Water: 72.5%

Micronutrients:

• Vitamin A: 1000 IU
• Vitamin E: 1.8 mg
• Folate: 40 mcg
• Riboflavin: 0.4 mg
• Thiamine: 0.1 mg
• Zinc: 1.4 mg
• Iron: 2.9 mg
• Calcium: 54 mg
• Phosphorus: 141 mg
• Magnesium: 12 mg
• Potassium: 150 mg
• Sodium: 227 mg

Please note that these are average figures and the nutritional content of these eggs can vary depending on the Breed of the bird, their diet, and how they are raised.

Are guinea fowl eggs for sale?

The eggs are available from various sources, including online hatcheries, poultry farms, and local farmer’s markets.

However, when buying guinea eggs, please choose a reputable source. Ensure the eggs are clean, uncracked, and have a smooth, firm shell. The seller should be able to provide information about the eggs’ age and the Breed of guinea fowl that laid them.

Prices for these eggs can vary depending on the source, the Breed of guinea fowl, and the time of year. Generally, you can pay between $5 and $10 per dozen.

Here are some tips for buying:

• Buy from a reputable source.
• Ensure the eggs are clean, uncracked, and have a smooth, firm shell.
• Ask the seller about the age of the eggs and the Breed of guinea fowl that laid them.
• Compare prices from different sources.
• Buy them in the spring or summer when they are most plentiful.

If you plan to hatch the eggs, you will need an incubator. Incubators can be purchased online or at pet stores. You will also need a brooder box to keep the chicks warm after they hatch.

Here are some places to buy the eggs in the US:

• Stromberg’s Chicks
• Freedom Ranger Hatchery
• Fifth Day Farm
• Global Poultry
• Fertile Hatching Eggs
• Sri Krishna Poultry Farm

You can also find these  eggs for sale on online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy.

Guinea fowl eggs vs chicken eggs

Guinea fowl eggs and chicken eggs have some similarities and some key differences. Here’s a comparison:

1. Size

The eggs are about two-thirds the size of a chicken egg. Generally, guinea fowl eggs weigh between 40 and 50 grams, while chicken eggs weigh between 50 and 70 grams.

2. Shell

Guinea fowl eggs have a thicker, more robust shell than chicken eggs. This makes them less likely to break during transport or handling. The body of a guinea fowl egg is typically 0.30 to 0.45 mm thick, while the shell of a chicken egg is about 0.35 mm thick.

3. Color

Guinea fowl eggs have a creamy white color with light brown spots. Depending on the Breed, chicken eggs can be white, brown, or even blue.

4. Yolk

The eggs have a higher yolk-to-white ratio than chicken eggs. This means they have a richer, deeper flavor. The yolk of a guinea fowl egg is about 30% of the total egg weight, while the yolk of a chicken egg is about 22%.

5. Flavor

Guinea fowl eggs have a richer, more intense flavor than chicken eggs. Some people say they have a slightly nutty or gamey taste. Chicken eggs can have a variety of flavors depending on the diet of the hen and how the egg is cooked.

6. Nutrition

Both guinea fowl eggs and chicken eggs are good protein, vitamins, and minerals sources. Guinea fowl eggs are slightly higher in protein and fat than chicken eggs but lower in cholesterol.

7. Price

These eggs are typically more expensive than chicken eggs due to their lower production and higher demand. You can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per dozen for these eggs, compared to $2 to $4 per dozen for chicken eggs.

Time for guinea fowl hatching eggs

Guinea fowl eggs generally take 26 to 28 days to hatch. This is similar to the incubation period for turkeys but a bit longer than the 21 days it takes for chicken eggs to hatch.

• Days 1-7: Egg cell development and embryo formation.
• Days 8-14: Organ development and yolk sac absorption.
• Days 15-21: Air cell formation and internal pipping (chick breaks through the inner membrane).
• Days 22-25: External pipping (chick breaks through shell) and hatching.
• Days 26-28: Hatching of remaining chicks and drying.

The hatching time can vary depending on factors like incubation temperature and humidity, Egg quality, Breed of guinea fowl, and Individual variations.

Conclusion

Exploring guinea fowl eggs introduces culinary diversity and offers potential health benefits. Whether you’re a chef experimenting in the kitchen or someone interested in unique poultry farming, these eggs bring a distinctive touch to your experience.

We tried to cover all essential details, but if you still have any doubts or questions. Please let us know about them in the comments.

FAQs

1. Can you eat guinea fowl eggs?

Yes, some consider guinea fowl eggs safe to eat and a delicacy.

2. How do you get guinea fowl eggs?

They can be collected from their hidden nests, purchased from farms, or raised by keeping your guinea fowl.

3. What does a guinea hen egg taste like?

The eggs taste similar to chicken eggs but with a richer, gamier flavor and a creamier yolk due to the higher yolk-to-white ratio. Some describe it as the “tastiest chicken egg you’ve ever eaten.”

4. How many eggs do Guineas lay?

Guinea hens lay their eggs in hidden nests, often in groups, and may lay up to 100 eggs yearly.

5. Do guinea fowls mate for life?

Guineas are not monogamous but form strong pair bonds during breeding season.

6. At what age do guineas start laying eggs?

Guineas start laying eggs around 6-8 months old.