chicks and guinea sharing feed

[Michaelshamp]

In a perfect world guineas and chickens would be housed in separate coops like @R2elk says. But a lot of people don't have that option. My guineas and chickens and peafowl have always lived in the same building. In the spring when breeding season is in full swing there is some conflict between the guineas and the others. But most of the year they all get along fine together. If your birds will free range when grown that lessens the conflicts but if they are confined in pens together it will be stressful for the chickens during breeding seasons.

So it isn't all the guineas that cause stress just the horny males. Gonna let this play out and hope for the best.

 

[red horse ranch]

So it isn't all the guineas that cause stress just the horny males. Gonna let this play out and hope for the best.

I've had guineas with my chickens for 9 years now. There have only been a few males that I had to get rid of since they were mean to the chickens. Most other conflicts have been pretty minor. During breeding season my guineas are free ranging over about 30 acres and they don't spend much time around the chickens.

 

[R2elk]

I've had guineas with my chickens for 9 years now. There have only been a few males that I had to get rid of since they were mean to the chickens. Most other conflicts have been pretty minor. During breeding season my guineas are free ranging over about 30 acres and they don't spend much time around the chickens.

The other very important thing is the huge "coop" aka barn that you have. Many people try to cram guineas into the small areas that they can get away with for chickens. Having a huge area makes a big difference.

 

[red horse ranch]

The other very important thing is the huge "coop" aka barn that you have. Many people try to cram guineas into the small areas that they can get away with for chickens. Having a huge area makes a big difference.

You are correct and I should have mentioned that. It does take a lot of space for all of them to co-exist, especially when they are confined together in bad weather.

 

[Michaelshamp]

I frequently brood chicks, keets and poults together. I always feed all of them the turkey game bird starter (28% protein) that the keets and poults need. I have never seen any sign that the higher protein feed hurts the chicks but it definitely helps the keets and poults.

If they are all still together when I switch to grower then I use the turkey game bird grower or a meat bird grower since both are very close in protein content.

As adults my turkeys and chickens are together and both get 16% protein layer pellets with free choice oyster shell. I tried the housing of guineas, chickens and turkeys together and the guineas caused to much stress on the chickens and turkeys so my adult guineas are housed separately and as adults they get 20% protein layer pellets and free choice oyster shell.

Good luck.

Now I want some turkeys. Have 3 BBW and 2 BBB coming. I am thinking of adding Blue Slate of Bourbon heritage birds or both to start a flock. I understand a 3 sided structure is fine.

 

[R2elk]

Now I want some turkeys. Have 3 BBW and 2 BBB coming. I am thinking of adding Blue Slate of Bourbon heritage birds or both to start a flock. I understand a 3 sided structure is fine.

Either variety is a good choice. A 3 sided shelter facing away from the prevailing wind will work as long as you don't have a problem with predators.