feeder/waterer changes

[DoeAndGander]

Guineas are 7 wks old (I think!) and will be getting new coop soon. I’d really love to switch up their food and water containers to something that stays cleaner longer. I know they hate change but it’s ridiculous. Everything “new” I have tried so far they will not go near. These birds are nuts!!! Grass clippings, random clear container, a rock to hold down feeder after being fed up bc of food waste, a grape, etc! I’ve tried making changes in the dark to fool them. I will be offering their old containers and brooder box while introducing to coop but any suggestions to make this go smoother? Thanks!

 

[DoeAndGander]

Or do I just switch it all at once and let them go into sensory overload?

 

[R2elk]

Or do I just switch it all at once and let them go into sensory overload?

You have to make sure that there is always water available to them that they will use. It will take time but eventually they should accept the new waterers especially if you can use the same colors or shape.

 

[BoogieBug]

Good luck with that!! This past winter, I tried to change out the watering container to a heated enclosed one with little push tabs on the sides because going out every morning and chiseling the ice out of the trough of their existing one was not fun. Only one had enough sense to walk over and push the button to get the water out. The others stood in line while I HELD THE tab in!!! But after reading R2elk's comment, I may try again. Maybe by the time winter gets here, they'll have the new one figured out!!!

On a good note, mine seem a bit more curious than yours. I recently introduced watermelon to them. At first they walked wide circles around it, but I have to say, they ARE definitely curious. They kept looking at it and circling it. I finally left them and when I came back out an hour later, they had pecked the rind to bits. lol. THEY LOVED the watermelon. It was so hot out, I thought I'd try to introduce them to a nice cooling treat and now they do the "guinea hop" when I come out because they think they're getting watermelon. They already do the hop - or the guinea shuffle - for their worms. lol. It's so adorable. They all line up and take about 3-4 steps to the left and then 3-4 steps to the right in unison. One of these days I'm going to get a video of it!!!

 

[DoeAndGander]

You have to make sure that there is always water available to them that they will use. It will take time but eventually they should accept the new waterers especially if you can use the same colors or shape.

Good luck with that!! This past winter, I tried to change out the watering container to a heated enclosed one with little push tabs on the sides because going out every morning and chiseling the ice out of the trough of their existing one was not fun. Only one had enough sense to walk over and push the button to get the water out. The others stood in line while I HELD THE tab in!!! But after reading R2elk's comment, I may try again. Maybe by the time winter gets here, they'll have the new one figured out!!!

On a good note, mine seem a bit more curious than yours. I recently introduced watermelon to them. At first they walked wide circles around it, but I have to say, they ARE definitely curious. They kept looking at it and circling it. I finally left them and when I came back out an hour later, they had pecked the rind to bits. lol. THEY LOVED the watermelon. It was so hot out, I thought I'd try to introduce them to a nice cooling treat and now they do the "guinea hop" when I come out because they think they're getting watermelon. They already do the hop - or the guinea shuffle - for their worms. lol. It's so adorable. They all line up and take about 3-4 steps to the left and then 3-4 steps to the right in unison. One of these days I'm going to get a video of it!!!

Thank you both! I’d love to see video of that Boogie! Adorable. I will put their existing food and water dishes in the coop with them and also the ones I would like to switch to. Hopefully they will get it before I go too crazy! And before winter. Not looking forward to chiseling! My problem with my food dishes - they’re too small and I have to refill multiple times a day. they are still eating from two of the little round chick starter feeders with 5 to 6 holes in it because I’ve been afraid they will not eat. I tried to put a screw on container on one so it will hold more feed and they won’t go near it for days. I’m learning so much from this first round lol I’m going to try watermelon later today! Thanks for the tip

 

[BoogieBug]

If I can get a videa of them doing either the Guinea Shuffle or the Guinea Hop, I will DEFINITELY be posting it!!!

Hopefully they will get it before I go too crazy!

My problem with my food dishes - they’re too small and I have to refill multiple times a day.

This is what I use.

I’m going to try watermelon later today! Thanks for the tip

While I sat there trying to coax my guineas to check out the watermelon, they were only mildly curious. I think they were waiting for me to leave. Just leave a few rinds on the ground and give them an hour. Maybe yours are shy... like mine. lol.