Adding New Adults

[CircusMum]

I had a male and female guinea that were very bonded. I cooped them for a month, then let them free range. They always returned to the coop at night. My hen recently died and I’ve brought home three new adult hens this morning to keep him company. They appear to be getting along quite well so far. My question is how long do I need to keep them cooped up so they know this is home before I let them free range? Or will they follow the male back to the coop?

 

[R2elk]

I had a male and female guinea that were very bonded. I cooped them for a month, then let them free range. They always returned to the coop at night. My hen recently died and I’ve brought home three new adult hens this morning to keep him company. They appear to be getting along quite well so far. My question is how long do I need to keep them cooped up so they know this is home before I let them free range? Or will they follow the male back to the coop?

Normally it takes 6 weeks to acclimate new adult guineas. If there is no attempt at fighting through the wire, you could try releasing one of the hens. She will most likely hang around because of the male and her other flockmates. If that works you can wait a few days and try releasing another hen.

The problem is that 3 hens to one male is not an ideal situation and no matter how long you keep them confined, some of the hens may eventually leave in search of new mates. For the most part, guineas do tend to pair up. Occasionally you will find a male that is not satisfied with just one hen but that is not the normal situation.

Good luck.

 

[CircusMum]

Should I be looking for more males to keep my hens happy? Do they fight one another? My male currently fights the truck bumper when he sees his reflection.

 

[R2elk]

Should I be looking for more males to keep my hens happy? Do they fight one another? My male currently fights the truck bumper when he sees his reflection.

In my opinion it would not hurt to add another male. Yes they will fight until they settle their dominance issues, especially during breeding season. It is just part of being a male guinea.

 

[CircusMum]

Thanks! This is my first year of guineas and I’m finding they’re not anything like chickens!

 

[R2elk]

Thanks! This is my first year of guineas and I’m finding they’re not anything like chickens!

That is so true.