free range guineas in shenandoah

[steward52]

I got 13 day old keets on May 1. They are now 13 weeks old and I have seen them through brooder to a roosting box and generous run.
I still need to learn a lot about the birds since they are my first venture in poultry.

My main question is how to release them to free range since I got them to control ticks. Both my wife and I have developed an allergy
( anaphalaxis ) to mamallian meat triggered by tick bites. I hope the guineas will be equivalent to a nuculear option.

I could just open the gate and let them out but can envision them walking into the woods and that's the last I'll see them.

Should I let half of them out at a time and see if I can call them back with feed a few hours later. The run and box is about 60 feet for my house and Id really like them to sick around the house. I have taken my black lab into the run with me several times and although they dont like her, she doesnt seem inclined to chase them.

Any one knowledgable about guineas I'd very much appreciate advice. Thanks.

Jay Gilliam - [email protected] -- steeles tavern Virginia

 

[Naunnie]

Hi

Welcome to BYC. There is a whole section about Guineas here https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/45/guinea-fowl. To answer quickly....the recommendation is to keep then in the run/coop for at least 6 weeks, then only let a couple out at a time. Put those back and let out a few more. The "free ones" won't leave the flock. After a while, they will know where home is and come back in to roost at night. I would lock all of them in at night.

 

[centrarchid]

Advice above is very sound.

Keep them from roosting in trees. They seem particularly attractive to owls.

 

[steward52]

Thanks a lot. I'll try that.