at what age to guineas start breeding??

[Ducklove334]

I had thought that because they grow alot like chickens, they'd age sexually like them too.

our pair of guineas are 11 weeks old, and ARE a male and female, well today during freerange earlier this afternoon, I cought Zag, the male mounting Zig, the female.I'm not sure if they were actually breeding, or doing the practice thing, like ducks do?, I wanna hatch some keets when they start laying eggs, cause I want more guineas, and it's cheaper than buying more LOL.

but I wanted to know if what I saw was REALLY what they were doing, and if they were when do they start laying???

first time guinea owner here LOL

 

[Newfowler1]

I’ve one female now maybe 4 or 5 months old laying eggs when penned overnight and kept in till 11 or 12. Been keeping them in until mid day to help with early am predators specifically the hawks.

 

[R2elk]

I have 5 pearl and 2 pied. I got them in June. 2 of them have HUGE red wattles on their cheeks or whatever you call them on guineas. I believe i have 2 boys and 5 girls. I have never saw any breeding activity yet at 5 or 6 months old. Im in South Tennessee if it matters. Not in any rush for more lol they try my patience.
View attachment 1944902

While guineas can breed by 6 months old, the vast majority will not start breeding until the spring following the year they were hatched.

 

[sred98]

Thanks for posting this! I was wondering the same thing today. My male has started really getting protective of the female, so I figure that it would be any time. Mine's about 12-13 weeks old.

Waiting for an answer, with you!

Shelly

 

[Munchies]

Guinea fowl only start laying eggs in the spring so usually you have to have your keets one winter before you get fertile eggs.

White guinea fowl are usually the first to lay eggs, IMO.

 

[swampducks]

I got my guinea keets at the end of July. They started laying eggs sometime in March. So they were about 8 months old. I've not had great fertility yet, I'm hoping things will improve soon.

 

[Munchies]

Quote:
Their first year, call yourself lucky if you get 50% or more that are fertile. They need a little more practice before they get it right.

 

[swampducks]

Quote:
Really? Wow. I am so glad the Mods separated out all the different birds into their own boards. It's been so much easier to find useful info now! Thanks.

 

[sred98]

I know! I love the new guinea section!!!

Thanks Mods!

I was hoping to get some babies this year from them, but I guess I'll have to wait.

Shelly

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

If you put them in a pen you will get better fertility we have found. When they are ready to start mating you will see them start to chase each other around, sometimes we will have 5 or 6 all in a line running after each other. "guinea races"

Steve in NC