Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 232, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 September 1913 — GUINEA FOWL IS MOST DELICIOUS [ARTICLE]

GUINEA FOWL IS MOST DELICIOUS

Cross of Pearl and White Will Produce Carcass Resem- ' bling English Grouse. (By MICHAEL K. BOYER.) The Guinea hen is a good layer, hut on account of the wild, gamey flavor, the eggs have never had an extensive sale for table use. However, by turning the eggs Into broilers or roasters a considerable profit will be derived. The flesh is the nearest substitute we have for the wild game. The Guinea is of a roving disposition, and one of the best known destroyers of insects. The laying season starts in early April and continues until October, the hen laying as many as 120 eggs in a season. In the early part of the season it is not advisable to let the Guinea hen hatch a brood, as she is of too restless a nature, and will not giveiher young the proper attention. But lifter the first of July, on account of the warm weather, she will be more quiet, and can be safely entrusted with a brood. It requires four weeks to hatch out Guineas. The hen always hides her nest, and that, too, in some very obscure place.. As it comes ofT the nest it gives a shrill cry, and in that way the hiding place can be detected. All the hens of a flock are apt to lay in the same nest, and in taking away the eggs they should not be touched with the hands, for if the hen discovers that the nest has been touched she will desert it and bunt another place. But if the eggs are removed with a stick she will not leave the nest, even though the eggs are taken out nearly every day. It is claimed that a cross of the Pearl and White Guineas will produce a carcass closely resembling that of the English grouse. If rightly cooked, the meat of even an old bird will be tender and delicious, while that of the young bird is unsurpassed as a broiler or frier. The dressed Guinea has ♦

a round, .plump body, good-sized breast, and small bones. Guineas will pair if the sexes are equal. They generally lay between the hours of ten o’clock In the morning and two o'clock in the afternoon. Until well feathered, the young; Guineas are delicate and tender. It is not advisable to hatch before June. The Guinea cock bird cares as much, for the young as does the hen, guarding them during the day and hovering them at night. The male bird is larger than the female, is more aggressive, and has a different call. The hen makes a noise sounding like “Come back, come back," while -the male givea “Tick, tick!” The cry of the Guinea is one of warning to the rest of the poultry, and they at once hide until the alarm ceases. Guineas do not scratch like other fowls, and therefore are safe to have in the garden. They should be given their freedom, as they do not thrive in confinement