Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a chicken and a guinea? From size to egg production, there are noticeable differences between the two birds.
With this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the differences between the two species, from domestication to lifespan.
We will also discuss diet, color, breeds, and behavior.
Get ready to learn what sets these two birds apart!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The main difference between a chicken and a guinea is their size.
Chickens are larger birds with an average adult weight of 3-4 lbs, while guinea fowl are much smaller, averaging only 1-2 lbs.
Chickens are also typically raised for their meat and eggs, while guinea fowl are more often kept as ornamental birds.
Additionally, chickens have an oval-shaped body, while guinea fowl have a more round, compact body shape.
Size Comparison
When it comes to size, chickens and guineas have a few distinct differences.
Chickens are typically larger than guineas, with an average weight of 4-6 pounds compared to the 2-3 pounds of guineas.
This size difference is quite noticeable, and it makes chickens more suitable for a variety of tasks such as egg production and meat production.
Chickens are also more domesticated than guineas, so they tend to be tamer and easier to handle.
On the other hand, guineas are known for being more wild and aggressive, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a more docile pet.
Despite their differences in size and demeanor, both chickens and guineas make wonderful companions and can provide hours of entertainment.
Domestication
When it comes to domestication, chickens are typically more domesticated than guineas.
Chickens have been domesticated for centuries, while guineas have only been domesticated for a few decades.
Chickens are known for being docile and relatively easy to train, whereas guineas are known for being wild and aggressive.
Chickens are more likely to be kept as pets or farmed for food, whereas guineas are usually kept for pest control or for their eggs.
Chickens can also be trained to respond to commands and will often follow humans around, whereas guineas are less likely to be tamed and will usually fly away if startled.
Finally, chickens are more likely to be found in urban and suburban areas, while guineas are more likely to be found in rural areas.
Diet
When it comes to diet, chickens and guinea birds have some significant differences.
Chickens are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and small animals.
They are known to forage for plants, insects, and other small animals, and may even scavenge for food in garbage or compost piles.
Guinea birds, on the other hand, are strictly herbivorous, meaning they eat only plant-based food sources.
They prefer to forage for leaves, grasses, and other plant matter in their natural environment.
In many cases, guinea birds will feed on cultivated grains and vegetables if they are provided with a suitable habitat.
Chickens are also more likely to be raised in captivity, where they may be fed a variety of commercial feed.
Guinea birds, however, tend to be a bit wilder and more aggressive, making them less suitable for domestication.
Color & Breeds
When it comes to color and breeds, chickens and guineas have some distinct differences.
Chickens are known for their wide variety of colors and breeds, ranging from white to black, with plenty of shades in between.
Some of the most popular chicken breeds include the Rhode Island Red, the Barred Rock, and the Buff Orpington.
On the other hand, guineas are typically found in shades of gray, brown, and black.
They do have some variation in colors, but their selection is significantly more limited than that of chickens.
Guinea breeds include the Helmeted Guinea, the White Breasted Guinea, and the Crested Guinea.
Despite their limited color selection, guineas are known for their striking beauty.
Egg Production
The difference between chickens and guineas when it comes to egg production is one of the most notable differences between the two.
Chickens are much better suited for egg production than guinea birds, and this is for a few reasons.
Firstly, chickens lay eggs more frequently than guinea birds.
While guinea hens may lay around 10-15 eggs per year, chickens can lay up to 300 eggs in one year.
Secondly, chickens usually lay larger eggs than guinea birds, which makes them more desirable for those looking for large eggs.
Finally, the quality of the eggs laid by chickens is typically much higher than that of guinea birds, which makes them more desirable for baking and cooking.
For these reasons, chickens are the better option when it comes to egg production.
Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, chickens and guineas have some interesting differences.
Chickens typically live for 8-10 years when kept as pets, while guineas can live up to 15 years.
Of course, many factors, such as diet and environment, can affect the lifespan of any bird.
Chickens also have a much faster growth rate than guineas.
A chicken will usually reach full maturity in about 6 months, while a guinea can take up to a year.
This means that a guinea will take longer to reach its full size and weight, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a smaller bird.
The egg production of chickens and guineas also differs significantly.
While chickens can lay up to 300 eggs per year, guineas typically only lay about 30-50 eggs in a year.
This makes chickens the better choice for those looking to produce eggs on a larger scale.
Finally, chickens and guineas differ in terms of their behavior.
Chickens are typically more docile and social, while guineas are known for being more wild and aggressive.
This means that guineas may not be the best choice for those looking for a pet bird, while chickens are generally better suited for this purpose.
Behavior
When it comes to behavior, there are some distinct differences between chickens and guineas.
Chickens are typically more domesticated and willing to be handled, while guineas can be quite wild and aggressive.
Chickens are typically more comfortable in groups, while guineas prefer to be in smaller flocks.
In addition, chickens are often content to stay in one location, while guineas are known to wander and explore their surroundings.
As a result, it is not uncommon to find guineas in unexpected places.
Finally, chickens are more likely to vocalize and make noise, while guineas are usually more quiet.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the chicken and guinea bird are two species with many differences, from size and diet to color and behavior.
Although chickens are typically larger and more domesticated, guinea birds are more suited for egg production and are known for their wild and aggressive behavior.
Regardless of which bird species you choose, understanding the differences between them is essential for providing them with the care they need.
So now that you know the differences between chickens and guineas, why not give one of these birds a home?