1st timer with Guinea's - What to look for?

[remadl700]

were expanding the bird line to include guinea's for meat and eggs. We have chickens and it sounds like these birds are vary compatible with the feed, coop and ranging around the property.

We have dogs and they have not been a good mix for the chickens. The JG rooster dosen't care but they got two hens and we had to separate them. Will the guineas be able to fend off a lab size dog?

 

[noodleroo]

They might try to fend off a dog when they are more experienced with predators, but most likely they would attempt to fly away or up to the roof or a tree. Guineas fly really well for their body shape. Mine would eat out of the same bowl with the neighborhood cats and all got along well. But if an animal that is bigger than them gets after them, they'll probably just fly to get away.

 

[cracking up]

I say that's a big no! One of my guineas got into the back yard yesterday and my shepherd/rott had killed him in less than ten seconds. My other dog doesn't pay any attention to them but the guinea is defenseless.

 

[robin416]

Your problem is that the Guineas will recognize your dogs as being part of the flock. Even if the dog(s) killed one of the flock they still would not recognize them as a danger.

Now if a dog that did not belong wandered on to your property as a flock they would attack and usually be able to run the dog off if there is a big enough flock. We watched our flock go after a fox when it attempted to catch one of the Guineas.

Came back to add, Guineas do not take flight at first to avoid a predator. They will run which leaves them vulnerable to anything that can run faster than they do. Even when the fox tried to take one of my Guineas it didn't fly, it just jumped straight up with the fox leaping after it. It only took moments for the flock to come to the rescue.

 

[crtrlovr]

a Lab-size dog and a coyote are comparable in size. I lost a beautiful pure white guinea in broad daylight, about 11:30 a.m. while I was mowing my lawn. The guineas and chickens were munching on grass clippings where I'd already mowed. The guinea was fine, I made one pass to the front, turned to come back and saw a pile of white feathers. The coyote had snatched her. I had no idea a coyote would be that bold, especially in mid-day. This guinea was old enough to possibly get away if she had sensed danger, but a dog is quick too. I wouldn't take the chance. My guys are now in a 6' chainlink run unless I'm out there with them, RIGHT THERE with them. I wouldn't count on the guineas being able to get away from or defend themselves against a dog of any size.