Hello everyone,
I've had chickens almost my entire life and even had a few turkeys and ducks from time to time. I currently only have chickens and I'm considering adding a few guinea fowl to my flock for some variety, and their tendency to alert everyone of predators. Mainly I have opossum, raccoon and the occasional hawk, but my rooster does a great job alerting everyone of the hawks. I also have plenty of ticks and other bugs I would love them to eat.
I do have a couple concerns about getting them.
#1 I've heard that they are quite noisy. I had a Tom turkey once that was super loud, would follow me around the yard and gobble non-stop. My birds are quite friendly and usually do follow me around the yard when I'm outside so constant noise can be bothersome when trying to work. I don't mind the occasional loud call, but that darn Tom was so constant, I just couldn't take it. I do have a cat and hoping to get a guard dog soon as well, which might upset them. Do you think guineas might cause the same issue as the Tom turkey?
#2 I've read guinea fowl enjoy bugging the chickens from time to time on the guineas 101 thread. They would share the same 8"x12" coop with 15-20 chickens so I can't have them stressing out my layers or hounding my single rooster too much. He is a really good boy and I don't want to cause him too much grief. Especially in the winter when they can't roam due to snow. I'm in Michigan so snow is a factor. Also is there a recommended number I should get to mix in with my flock? I really don't need/want more than 3 or 4.
#3 I have a pretty large run for my coop. It's about 100"x150" with 6" high fence. Will I have to worry about them flying out every day and eating my wife's hosta's. I couldn't take that either. Do they even like hosta's? My chickens love them.. hence the large run.
Actually any tips for someone new to guinea fowl are appreciated. Especially tips for someone mixing guinea fowl with chickens. Thanks in advance for your replies! I very much appreciate your shared knowledge.
I've had chickens almost my entire life and even had a few turkeys and ducks from time to time. I currently only have chickens and I'm considering adding a few guinea fowl to my flock for some variety, and their tendency to alert everyone of predators. Mainly I have opossum, raccoon and the occasional hawk, but my rooster does a great job alerting everyone of the hawks. I also have plenty of ticks and other bugs I would love them to eat.
I do have a couple concerns about getting them.
#1 I've heard that they are quite noisy. I had a Tom turkey once that was super loud, would follow me around the yard and gobble non-stop. My birds are quite friendly and usually do follow me around the yard when I'm outside so constant noise can be bothersome when trying to work. I don't mind the occasional loud call, but that darn Tom was so constant, I just couldn't take it. I do have a cat and hoping to get a guard dog soon as well, which might upset them. Do you think guineas might cause the same issue as the Tom turkey?
#2 I've read guinea fowl enjoy bugging the chickens from time to time on the guineas 101 thread. They would share the same 8"x12" coop with 15-20 chickens so I can't have them stressing out my layers or hounding my single rooster too much. He is a really good boy and I don't want to cause him too much grief. Especially in the winter when they can't roam due to snow. I'm in Michigan so snow is a factor. Also is there a recommended number I should get to mix in with my flock? I really don't need/want more than 3 or 4.
#3 I have a pretty large run for my coop. It's about 100"x150" with 6" high fence. Will I have to worry about them flying out every day and eating my wife's hosta's. I couldn't take that either. Do they even like hosta's? My chickens love them.. hence the large run.
Actually any tips for someone new to guinea fowl are appreciated. Especially tips for someone mixing guinea fowl with chickens. Thanks in advance for your replies! I very much appreciate your shared knowledge.
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