Guinea fowl and chickens

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Jamminjen

In the Brooder
Apr 12, 2025
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I have 14 guinea keets about 2 months old now. I am getting ready to start trying to free range them but I have 2 that I don't think will live if I let them free range. One has something wrong with her legs. At first I thought it was just crooked toes and she would still roost but now it's apparent it's her legs so she can't stand. She eats and drinks well so I am thinking of just keeping her with the chickens so she is less likely to get killed. The other I have no idea what the issue is. Seems almost like maybe it's blind?? It won't roost either unless I put in on the bar. It runs the opposite direction as the others initially then figured out to turn around and run with them. So I feel like both of these 2 would very quickly be picked off by a predator. Anyway my ultimate question is if I keep these 2 with my chickens when should I start integrating them? Chickens are about 3 weeks younger than the guineas. Should I wait to integrate until after the guineas are fully free ranging or do it now?
 
Jamminjen said:
I have 14 guinea keets about 2 months old now. I am getting ready to start trying to free range them but I have 2 that I don't think will live if I let them free range. One has something wrong with her legs. At first I thought it was just crooked toes and she would still roost but now it's apparent it's her legs so she can't stand. She eats and drinks well so I am thinking of just keeping her with the chickens so she is less likely to get killed. The other I have no idea what the issue is. Seems almost like maybe it's blind?? It won't roost either unless I put in on the bar. It runs the opposite direction as the others initially then figured out to turn around and run with them. So I feel like both of these 2 would very quickly be picked off by a predator. Anyway my ultimate question is if I keep these 2 with my chickens when should I start integrating them? Chickens are about 3 weeks younger than the guineas. Should I wait to integrate until after the guineas are fully free ranging or do it now?
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Not what you want to hear. Personally I would cull them. You do not want them to be part of your breeding flock.

It really isn't a good idea to keep guineas with the chickens.
 
I believe @R2elk that keeping guineas with chickens isn't a great idea, but what if you separated the two guineas plus two other guineas if they get along with them and put the four guineas with the chickens. That way, the guineas can hang out together and might mine their own business. Then, see if it works out for you. If it doesn't work out, then do plan B. Of course, it is up to you but I personally think it is betting than culling. I have my guineas with my chickens and it isn't great, but it definitely works out.
 
GuineaMania said:
I believe @R2elk that keeping guineas with chickens isn't a great idea, but what if you separated the two guineas plus two other guineas if they get along with them and put the four guineas with the chickens. That way, the guineas can hang out together and might mine their own business. Then, see if it works out for you. If it doesn't work out, then do plan B. Of course, it is up to you but I personally think it is betting than culling. I have my guineas with my chickens and it isn't great, but it
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GuineaMania said:
Also, I forgot to ask how much space do the chickens have? if it is a small area then it's probably not a great idea...
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The chicken run is about 20ft×20ft. The coop is smaller about 4ft x 15ft roughly.
 
GuineaMania said:
👍

Gosh, I'm not sure when you would integrate them if you were to, I would say now but the chickens are probably quite a bit smaller than the guineas?
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They are and some of my chickens are super small compared to the guineas. That's been a bit of a concern for integration.
 
GuineaMania said:
Could you divide the run in half, chickens/guineas??
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The guinea side is already divided. I was planning on leaving it open once the guineas are free ranging. If they don't end up sleeping in the coop and pick a tree to roost in the 2 lame ones could stay in that part and be safe. As long as they're also happy. Idk. The guinea run is smaller about 8×20ft i would guess
 

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