Advice Needed

[sonjab314]

Im picking up 10 keets tonight that hatched 2 days ago. Is it ok to pput them in the brooder with my chicks or do they need their own space? Can they eat the same food as my chicks? ive had guineas before but they were older when I got them and this is my first time with baby keets.

 

[rubyredder]

In my experience, I've always kept my guineas and chicks separate because I fed the keets a higher protein feed (turkey starter/game bird) can't recall the protein percentage. I'm sure they'd so fine on chick starter but if the chicks are older than the guinea keets they'll bully them because they're bigger.

 

[R2elk]

Im picking up 10 keets tonight that hatched 2 days ago. Is it ok to pput them in the brooder with my chicks or do they need their own space? Can they eat the same food as my chicks? ive had guineas before but they were older when I got them and this is my first time with baby keets.

Keets need a higher % protein than chicks do. I do brood my keets and chicks together and feed both turkey starter which is 26% protein.

Please read the Raising Guinea Fowl 101 thread and pay particular attention to posts made by PeepsCA.

See post #78 by PeepsCA in this thread

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/312682/raising-guinea-fowl-101/70#post_6651064

PeepsCA is/was the resident guinea expert but unfortunately has not posted since Oct. 2013. This forum really needs her presence and her wisdom.

She explains why guinea keets need a higher protein feed.