Origins and legends

African roots

 

Originating in Africa guinea fowl still lives wild in groups, on plains or perched in trees, the bird has been bred using traditional methods in Europe, and France in particular, for less than 50 years.
The main breeding areas are the Atlantic coast (from Normandy to Aquitaine) and the Rhône-Alpes and Centre regions.
Its origins give the bird a special character sought by connoisseurs: its subtle taste, flavour and leanness set it apart out from other poultry.

From Pharaoh’s Chicken to Spanish Pintado

Called «the chicken of Numidia» by the Romans, «the Turkish chicken» at the fall of the
Byzantine Empire, and«the Pharaoh’s chicken» or «Indian chicken» in the 15th century, it became dubbed pintado in
Spain(meaning “well disguised”) a century later due to the pointy helmet on its head and the two red barbels around its beak.

Inconsolable Greek guinea fowl !

Aristotle named them Meleagris. Guinea fowl are in fact the result of Meleagre’s sisters turned into birds. According to legend, Artemis, the goddess of hunting, transformed her grieving sisters into guinea fowls after the death of their brother Meleagre, King of Calydon, to relieve their suffering. Despite her efforts, their relentless tears stained their grey plumage with white specks…

France, the world guinea fowl champion

Introduced into Western Europe in the 14th century by great explorers, guinea fowl are now mainly reared in Europe. With over 38.5 million guinea fowl reared in 2008, France alone accounts for three-quarters of European production, making it the European and world leading producer of guinea fowl (way ahead of Italy).