Do You Think Guineas Mate for Life?

[dorthal]

I have read from more than one person that guineas mate for life. I have in one pen 8 guineas; looks like 3 hens and 5 males (need to move 2 of the males). In another pen, I have 16 guineas; looks like more hens than males. The 16 fight a lot, it almost looks like I need to separate them by color. I hatched and brooded all of them together. I moved all of them into a pen together, however, it looks like I am going to have to separate them. Problem is, if they mate for life, how do I do this? All suggestions appreciated. I would like for my eggs to be fertile.

 

[MuranoFarms]

Good question. I know my male has a mate....but he cheats on her!

All my females eggs are fertile, but he does have his favorite. He's always with her, and only hangs out with the other female when she tags along. He follows the mate everywhere, even to the nest when she lays. However, he only goes down to the nest with the other one when she screams her head off at him. lol If you're going to try to split the group watch for a few days and see who hangs out with who.

 

[dorthal]

Quote:
That's good to know. I have been trying to watch, right now, can't get an accurate count of females vs. males. Maybe, I'll just separate by groups that hang together. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will come out right.

Thanks,

 

[allanimals21]

I don't think they do. Last year my buff Homer was hanging out/mated with one of my lavender pied hens. This year I've seen him guarding one of the pearl grays from last year while she is on her nest. His hen from last year has found a lavender male.