Can Guineas be trained to use a Roof Hatch?

[lighthawk]

I am newly registered but have been lurking the board for about 6 months now. I'd like to thank everyone for the wealth of information I have gleaned so far.
I am planning to build a coop and run this winter to (hopefully) be ready for birds this spring. I am planning for 8 BR pullets and 2 guineas. the pen, 10' by 12' By 18' with a V nose made of two 10' sections all constructed of 6' high Chain link and covered with 8' of corrugated PVC on the Square end and 2x4 welded wire covering on the V end. Were I to construct a triangle hatch in the roof in the V corner to make a guinea hatch of sorts to allow the guineas out but restrain the chickens would they learn to use it? TIA

 

[TedsFarms]

Sounds like a plan. Have a small platform before the entry and it should work. If I am seeing this design correctly that is. Pigeons will love you as well.

 

[greathorse]

Ummmm I dont know. I am a little dense but how high will the top of the V be? I think 18 feet?? I think they could do it whether or not they will is a different story. I think if you raised them in there fed them in there and got them very accustomed to roosting in there you would have a chance. They are guineas after all and I have seen them not figure out how to get over a two foot fence.

I would love to hear how they do. It is very possible that they would and then suddenly decide on something different. Mine roosted in the coop for a long time and one day all decided to roost in the trees. Like I said they are guineas.

 

[lighthawk]

Actually the top of the run will only be 6' high the entire run will be 18' long across the center. My concern is more to your last statement that they may use it for a while then decide on something else. There are a lot of predators around here so the coop and run would have to be very secure at night. From what I'm seeing on the board I could spend months attempting to train them only to see them disappear one day. Jury is still out on the Gunieas I guess. Thanks

 

[greathorse]

sorry I ddint really picture your pen, but that is the issue with the guineas is that they change their minds at the drop of a hat. Especially if you get a pair if they start to lay they will hide eggs and likelly lay outside unless you really keep them locked up. The Cocks can get aggrssive with chickens during breeding as well. Most of the time if you keep guineas it is good idea to have a few extras, as they are good alarm systems for predators but are fairly susceptible to them at the same time.


I got rid of mine and I had about 50 of them for a time. They just go to be worrisome around the chickens and so forth. I have a bunch to a freind and will hatch a batch in the spring and likely get rid of them in the fall. I like eating them so will rasie some for that. Others have had great luck with them mingling with chickens I am just nor sure it is a guarnetee. I think they get a little more contentious as they get older.

 

[lighthawk]

Greathorse like I say the jury is still out. Reading about their behavior and the amount of noise they generate has me concerned. nearest neighbor is about 150 yards away so I'm sure he would be listening to them as well. I have had pretty good luck training birds in the past but it requires a lot of time and effort. The advantage is obviously a natural pest controller. Just not sure if it is worth the tradeoff.

 

[greathorse]

For many it is a love hate that is for sure. I miss mine but I just didn't have the patience I suppose

good luck