Average mortality rate - how many to start with?

[PearlGrey]

I've never raised any kind of poultry before, but this year I'm planning on raising a flock of guineas.

My plan is to brood them in the house, then start them outdoors in a coop with a fenced yard, then allow them to free-range during the day. I have horses and I live in the swamps of South Carolina, so I want them to free-range to help with the bugs.

My farm is predator heaven, so I thought I'd keep the guineas in a coop at night. I've read I should allow 4 sq ft/bird in the coop. The coop I have planned is 32 sq ft, so I could house 8 guineas.

Finally, my question.

If I want to have a flock of 8 guineas, how many one or two day old keets should I buy from the feed store?

 

[bigzio]

If you are going to brood in the house, then I would buy 8. You really shouldn't lose any if the brooder is the right temp and proper food and water is provided.

I'm not sure how tall your fence is going to be, but guineas are good fliers. Good Luck!

bigz

 

[PearlGrey]

Thanks!

The run is going to be covered, so maybe that will keep them in.

 

[bigzio]

Yep, that should do it! Maybe you will have good luck with them sticking around since you will have them trained well as far as roosting at night in the coop. They will definitely know where home is once you give them their freedom....again, Good Luck!