Livestock
Gressingham guinea fowl are grown on local government-approved free range farms with trees in Brittany, France.
The whole supply chain is approved by local standards for free range. Birds arrive on the farm as day-old poults direct from the local hatchery. After an initial and carefully controlled brooding stage the birds are then allowed outside where they can enjoy natural daylight and natural, fresh air ventilation as they develop and grow.
Husbandry
Stocking densities are managed to free range levels ensuring that birds have plenty of space to express natural behaviour. Various forms of environmental enrichment are also provided such as trees and straw bales. Toys and perches are also provided within the houses. The temperature and air quality within each house is monitored to ensure that birds are kept comfortable at all times. A veterinary health plan is in use on every farm to assist with best practice and preventative routines. Welfare and husbandry standards cover the whole of the agricultural supply chain from the parent stock (laying birds) and hatchery all the way to the reception and handling at the processing plant.
Feed
The birds are fed on a carefully balanced diet which ensures that they maintain a high state of health, enabling them to thrive in their environment. Their diet is based on wheat and soya with mineral and vitamin supplements and different rations are formulated to suit each stage of the birds development. A typical inclusion would be along the lines of 70% wheat, 25% soya, 5% minerals and vitamins.
Eating Characteristics
Slightly gamey, white meat, very succulent. More flavoursome than chicken.
