By Nancy Smith — Photographed by Martina Berg

Guineas are indigenous to grasslands and woodlands of southern Africa, and large, wild flocks continue to roam with semi-domesticated birds kept by farmers. Guineas are hunted in the wild along with ducks and geese as game birds; a commercial safari-type shoot can set a hunting enthusiast back $2,000 to $3,000 for a four to seven day adventure.

The annual consumption of guinea meat in France is among the highest in the world. The guineas have been bred up in size for culinary use and for increased egg production. In some cases, 190 eggs a year are laid, compared to the normal 90 to 100 eggs.

Common guineas usually weigh about 3 to 3 1/2 pounds, but French guineas often weigh as much as 8 to 10 pounds. Many gourmands regard the meat as a delicacy, with a taste extremely similar to pheasant.

To read much more about guineas, visit "Go Ahead, Get Guineas" at Mother Earth News.