Another Newbie from Massachusetts

[Must Be Losing It]

So I have about 15 bearded silkie eggs arriving this week, and I couldn't be more excited. They should hatch hopefully around Easter. These are my first chickens!!!!!!!! So of course I had to pick the cutest, fluffiest ones around to ensure the kids would help out. That being said, any suggestions? How long should I keep them inside before they get moved to their coop? And, I currently have 6 guineas, how soon would you suggest I wait before I introduce them?

Oh, and feed suggestions would be great.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

Hi welcome to BYC. Please dont mix chickens and guineas. the guineas will kill them

 

[Must Be Losing It]

I'm surprised to hear that. I was originally told that silkies and guineas make a great mix from several guinea fans, particularly when it comes to brooding.

Have you experienced this?

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

no. We where going to buy guineas but I said i want chickens instead. in the other poultry area there a few post about guineas killing chickens

 

[cockadoodlemom]

Welcome to BYC

Your chickens should be fully featherd out with their adult feathers before moving them out. I know nothing about mixing guiena and chickens. Did you check out the Learning Center? You will find tons of info there cause I know nothing about silkies. Someone with a lot more knowledge will be along soon to help you I am sure.

 

[BikerBabeRules]

My 2 cents: I have 16 guineas and 36 chickens, turkeys, peacocks, silkies, roosters in the same barn. Nobody bothers anybody and the guinea were no threat to my chickens. Even when I would add new chickens, no problem. I had never heard this before.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

here is one link that I found. If I find more I will post

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=32545

 

[Must Be Losing It]

That makes me feel much better. The eggs were mucho pricey I would hate to lose them to grumpy birds.

I'm a member of a guinea fowl site and honestly I was encouraged to get silkies because of their demeanor and brooding instincts that guineas lack.

I'm sure there are bad seeds in any bunch, but I will certainly use caution when introducing them.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

Please supervise also.

 

[Must Be Losing It]

By the way, you guys are terrific responders. Thank you very much.

I cannot wait to share pictures of little ones.