296 Farm Poultry 



abandoned for another. This, in turn, might be left 

 to the same fate as the first. Instances are known 

 of three nests being well filled with eggs before the 

 hen showed any disposition to incubate. 



Objections have been made to the fowl on account 

 of its sharp, screeching voice. It is true that guineas 

 make more noise than chickens and that their 

 voices are somewhat piercing, yet they are not objec- 

 tionable to most people unless the poultry yard and 

 other places frequented by them are very near the 

 dwelling; -house. The writer has heard several 

 farmers express a liking for these birds because 

 they are "rather noisy." They are "company." Like 

 geese, guineas are inclined to give an alarm if the 

 poultry yard is molested. As a rule, these fowls 

 mingle well in the poultry yard with chickens, 

 both young and old. 



Guineas like a wide range. They prefer to perch 

 far from the ground preferably in trees although 

 they will frequently perch with hens in poultry 

 houses during severe weather, if given an opportu- 

 nity to do so. Guineas are naturally shy and are 

 easily frightened, although they may become tame 

 with kind and careful treatment. While not strictly 

 so, guineas are strongly inclined to be monogamous, 

 and consequently it is necessary to keep almost as 

 many males as females, if fertile eggs are desired. 

 When several females are placed with one male, 

 poor hatches are to be expected. 



