baby guineas, how do I keep them alive and make them social?

[figment]

I would like to know how to get my guineas to settle down. I have a male and female with a new batch of babies that I just took from them today. The mother was vicious as I tried to catch her babies. After much running and chasing and being pecked and flown at I finally got the 7 babies from her. Now I really don't know what to do with them, I have brought them in the house and put them in a closet since that is the only place I have without air conditioning. The last batch of babies she had 2 months ago all died two days after being hatched because I didn't know I was supposed to take them from her and she didn't protect them from the elements. So how do I take care of these babies and how do I get them to be social like my chicken. My chicken comes to her name and will eat out of my hand, she will also sit on my lap and let me pet her or sit on my shoulder as I walk around the yard.

 

[Sandshaven]

If they were my birds... I would keep them away from the older birds, if the older ones are not friendly. The babies will pick up their fear if they are fearful of you.
Next if you want them social.. They need to be around you. Locked in a closet they will never become tame. So bring them out.
I run my air all summer long. I have found that it is easier to regulate their heat lamps if you can control the temps in the room. Do not place them directly in front of it... of course. And you will need to monitor closely till you find the correct temps. Also do not set them directly in front of windows or doors.
I like modified dog cages for training. If you want check out my page. www.sandshaven.com/shelter.php
I start by sitting, with them, with the door open. Either watching TV or typing on my computer.. Do you feel their eyes watching me?
Because they are at this moment.. I spend a lot of time here.
Soon they will start to feel comfortable and as they are curious they will start to come closer.
I try not to chase them. Let them just get used to your hand in their cage... With time they will start walking around it.
At first.. I always pet or touch with the back of my hand / fingers. And progress as they learn to trust me. After I earn their trust anything is possible.
I hope that helps you get started. Guineas are really fun to train since they are so stubborn.

 

[Hotcookie]

Whenever my keets hatch, I've always let the mama raise them.......I've never taken them away from her, and so far, she's done a pretty good job doing it. One of the males in my flock have always helped watch out for them when I eventually let them out from the coop ( I keep them in there for a minimum 6 weeks).......and another female helps her out with the babies, too. You really do need to get them accustomed to you right from the start - hold them as much as you can....get them used to seeing you and hearing your voice, and when they're old enough, start feeding them treats from your hand. I wouldn't give up yet in taming the adults......I would gradually introduce them to special treats - mine love thawed out frozen corn and peas.....and cut up fresh romaine lettuce and cut up grapes. Find something they love to eat.....keep it in your hand.....and gradually they will take it from you. You might have to lure them over at first......dropping pieces closer and closer, until they get up the nerve to take from you. Good luck - I'm confidant you can do it!

 

[gootziecat]

In my limited experience, raising keets under a hen is the best way to go. The hen socializes them pretty well. They won't be tame to pet but they don't fly so much or aren't as noisy. They are often calmer.