Do you think these are ready to release to freerange?

[BlueShadow]

I would maybe start a little slower than you are planning to. Only let one guinea out the first couple days. One won't wander too far, and will come back in to roost at night. Then do two, etc., as you have planned. I personally like when they come back in to roost at night, I know they are safe. I know you have different goals for your guinea flock, however they may adjust to outdoor life a bit easier if they only have to figure out the free ranging during the day first, and then can figure out roosting outside at night later. Guineas adapt to roosting outside very well, mine always seem to just decide, "okay, we aren't going in that coop anymore" and one night, everyone is out. (Of course, that's the night it's going to storm, so I have to chase them in anyways...)

 

[Chickiemom25]

I would maybe start a little slower than you are planning to. Only let one guinea out the first couple days. One won't wander too far, and will come back in to roost at night. Then do two, etc., as you have planned. I personally like when they come back in to roost at night, I know they are safe. I know you have different goals for your guinea flock, however they may adjust to outdoor life a bit easier if they only have to figure out the free ranging during the day first, and then can figure out roosting outside at night later. Guineas adapt to roosting outside very well, mine always seem to just decide, "okay, we aren't going in that coop anymore" and one night, everyone is out. (Of course, that's the night it's going to storm, so I have to chase them in anyways...)

thanks for the input. I can slow it down some

 

[BlueShadow]

thanks for the input. I can slow it down some

I don't think you will regret beginning slow. It gives you a chance to see how they are doing, and gives you an opportunity to catch them again if you have troubles. It is hard to catch guineas once you release them!

On the other hand, if everything goes well after a few days, you certainly can always speed things up and let everyone out, too.

You do have a nice setup for introducing guineas to free ranging. The wire bars help a lot since they can see all of their surrounding environment. I expect they will adjust very easily, everything except perhaps roosting where you want them to roost.

 

[Chickiemom25]

I think that's a good idea. One mistake I did was keeping them penned too long---when I finally let them out, they were terrified of the outdoors and refused to stay out of the run. They'd just fly back in.

how long did you keep yours penned up?

 

[BantyChooks]

how long did you keep yours penned up?

I don't remember. Several months? Four, maybe?

 

[GlennLee]

Beautiful guineas! Love the pics. You have a great set up for them.

I would definitely make sure they had high roosts to escape from predators - sounds like you're on the right track there.

I'd also keep them confined for a month. Some people even recommend longer. If you are able to let one out at a time, that will help you monitor them. I've found that with one out, it just stays there and circles around the coop.

Guineas need longer than chickens to get used to their surroundings, but once they do, they return like clockwork.

Good luck!

 

[GlennLee]

One more thing to add - you asked how old they should be. I would say it depends on your situation. Since you have other birds around, you could probably do it younger when I started my flock free ranging. There was only the flock of 16 and they were all new to me - first time with poultry. I waited until they were 12 weeks and started by letting 1/2 out at a time and for a couple of hours. Gradually increased the time and amount of birds over the course of a week until they were free ranging all day.

 

[Chickiemom25]

Beautiful guineas! Love the pics. You have a great set up for them.

I would definitely make sure they had high roosts to escape from predators - sounds like you're on the right track there.

I'd also keep them confined for a month. Some people even recommend longer. If you are able to let one out at a time, that will help you monitor them. I've found that with one out, it just stays there and circles around the coop.

Guineas need longer than chickens to get used to their surroundings, but once they do, they return like clockwork.

Good luck!

well they moved to the run for about 4 weeks ago. I started releasing 2 weeks ago. I have 2 in the run still. The 3 running loose return each night and don't go too far during the day. Chickens and guineas seem to be tolerating each other well. Even the muscovey is getting along. I wouldn't say they interact but they do share space. The other day I got home and the chickens all came running over and I noticed the guineas in the back following the flock till they realized it was me. Hoping I can turn the last 2 loose this weekend and still have birds come monday! the guineas do not sleep with the chickens, but rather with the duck!