Another Guinea Question Please

[GRAM49]

If I get guineas how many should I start with. I only wanted 1 or 2, but find that ordering might be an issue. Don't think I can get that few. We have 2 acres and the chickens are penned, not completely free-range. Do baby guineas require the same care as chicks? Can they live with the chickens or do they require a separate living quarters. It is obvious I know nothing about guineas, but want to learn. Thanks, Gram

 

[Chirpy]

I highly suggest you do a search at the top of the page and type in Guineas. You will get lots of great info about this that has already been talked about.

Most people seem to raise their guineas with their chicks and have no problems using the same feed. However, it seems to be better if the guineas are on a game bird starter - they just don't absolutely have to be.

Most people seem to have no problems with guineas together with chickens but there are a couple here who had serious enough issues with aggression toward their chickens (roosters) that they had to rehome their guineas.

 

[GRAM49]

Thanks, I didn't think of the "search" feature.

 

[dangerouschicken]

Guineas are highly active and like to be free range. I think 4 to 6 is a good number to start with, as they like to run in a flock. They are very Borg-like

They can also cross-breed with chickens and the offspring don't usually live longer than a year. Just keep that in mind if you house them together and they are sexually mature.

 

[GRAM49]

Thanks, I did not think about that! Good thing I ask others who know.

 

[Love my Critters!]

I had 2 that free ranged with my chickens on 2 acres and as they matured they started chasing my chickens and keeping them from their food. I had to get rid of them because they were going to kill my chickens.

 

[warcard]

where are you? We have guineas hatching every week right now.

Keets are a little likely to chill faster than chicks in the first two weeks, but after that they are just about indestructible and can be raised right alongside your chickens.

 

[GRAM49]

Warcard,
I am near Kokomo, about 60 miles north of Indy.
Gram