What in the world is a Velvet Guinea?

[Incukahlan]

Alright, so my knowledge of poultry is strictly Chicken/Duck based. I know almost nothing about Guinea Fowl(nor will I even attempt to), yet I have someone who is wanting me to get them Velvet Guineas. Does anyone know what variation this is?

I've tried doing some research but can't figure out the velvet part. Any information/assistance would be greatly appreciated. It has to be "velvet" whatever that is. I've looked at the different colors, and can't find anything about velvet. Is it a hybrid of some type? Any idea where I could find some? I had no idea as of how to go about acquiring this specific variety, so was hoping some of you Guinea Fowl experts could help! Thanks in advance.

 

[BarbaraNH]

I've never heard of the term velvet when referring to guinea fowl. I wonder if it might be mistaken for the term helmet. There are wild and domesticated varieties of helmeted guinea fowl. The domesticated guineas come in a variety of colors. None are called velvet that I know of (at least not yet). The only color that comes to my mind when thinking of velvet is one called royal purple.

 

[Incukahlan]

Well, that at least gives me something to work with, lol. I'll see if I can find out if that is what they are referring to. I'll let you know. Thanks so much!

 

[Majd]

Wait a minute..... I read a post on the forum where someone said something about VELVET guineas..
But I forgot where.....and I don't know anything about it.... but keep looking and asking...

 

[Incukahlan]

Well, I've just completed a search by keywords in the forum, and the site. Can't find anything except my own post, lol. Go figure. Google doesn't work either. Although when I type in something to the effect of- Velvet Guinea Fowl, or Keet, can't remember which, a result does come up about a woman's hat being made out of French Black Velvet Guineas. Lol. Maybe they will take a hat instead of the bird?

 

[BarbaraNH]

Thinking on this some more, there is a color that is kind of close to the spelling and pronunciation of velvet. It's violet. Wonder if that could be what they're looking for.

 

[RobG7aChattTN]

I think you are right about it being the Violet Guinea they are looking for. It is a new color...sort of similar to a Royal Purple. I just got some violet keets this year myself. They don't have any pearling at all and the purple is supposed to be all over their entire body...otherwise rather similar to Royal Purple. The keets don't look anything like the Royal Purple keets. They are basically tan on the body with a darker head. No stripes at all. I'll try and add a picture of my keets.
Here is a photo of some keets:
<a href="https://www.backyardchickens.com/g/...jumbo-french-guinea-keets/sort/display_order/"><img src="https://www.backyardchickens.com/image/id/12448635/width/400/flags/LL"></a>
The Royal Purple is on the right, and the violet keet is to the left of that keet. I don't know why I can't figure out how to put photos directly into my post.

 

[RobG7aChattTN]

OK...I guess I've figured it out. The Violet keets are the three tan ones in the center. That's a Royal Purple to the right (and also bottom left corner) and a little (younger) pearl keet bottom center that is supposed to be Jumbo/French.

 

[RobG7aChattTN]

Here's a few photos of my violet keets when they were a bit smaller (the Royal Purples are darker with stripes and the Violet are brown with no stripes):

That light one in the back had pure Violet parents so it will be interesting to see what the final color will be.

That's the Violet on the light and a Royal Purple on the ground.

 

[Incukahlan]

Very informative, and great pics. You have beautiful birds. I do appreciate the assistance with that. Thanks!