Guinea Fowl vs Predators?

[BoogieBug]

I have gotten away with just putting different keets in the same brooder. You have to watch them for awhile to make sure the older ones are not hurting the younger ones. You also have to be aware that one week old keets should be kept at 85°-90°F while 2 1/2 week old keets should be able to be at around 80°F. If they all get along well together, the larger number of keets makes it so they can tolerate slightly lower temperatures than a smaller group can stand.

Good luck.

Awesome! Thank you!!

 

[MageofMist]

I heard geese, peacocks and turkeys (the slim ones, not the fat ones) make good guard birds also. Peacocks have the long display feathers that freak the heck out of predators, but peafowl are quite expensive. In a zoo I watched one of the wandering peacocks who had gotten into the emu pen chase the poor birds around as they were scared of his fanned tail. Turkeys and geese are more aggressive than a guinea fowl but have been added into flocks successfully by raising them with other chicks. The naturally territorial geese fit easily into the role of watchdog and won’t need any training like a dog in how to protect, and at least over here, fertile goose eggs are surprisingly cheap to get, waaay cheaper than a dog.

A single goose would be best as it bonds with the flock of chickens without bonding with other geese, and will attack predators that try and mess with it's flock. Multiple geese may deter predators due to their size, but won't be as bonded to the hens and won't protect them as avidly as a single one would.

Some who keep both turkeys and geese even sometimes have BOTH animals gang up on the threat, so the guineas would also be a good addition as they'll sound an alarm, which'll cause the turkeys and goose/geese to also sound the alarm and then if the threat doesn't leave, they will probably go on the attack. I will feel sorry for the fox if it doesn't heed the warnings from the potential army you may raise from eggs.

 

[Welshies]

I heard geese, peacocks and turkeys (the slim ones, not the fat ones) make good guard birds also. Peacocks have the long display feathers that freak the heck out of predators, but peafowl are quite expensive. In a zoo I watched one of the wandering peacocks who had gotten into the emu pen chase the poor birds around as they were scared of his fanned tail. Turkeys and geese are more aggressive than a guinea fowl but have been added into flocks successfully by raising them with other chicks. The naturally territorial geese fit easily into the role of watchdog and won’t need any training like a dog in how to protect, and at least over here, fertile goose eggs are surprisingly cheap to get, waaay cheaper than a dog.

A single goose would be best as it bonds with the flock of chickens without bonding with other geese, and will attack predators that try and mess with it's flock. Multiple geese may deter predators due to their size, but won't be as bonded to the hens and won't protect them as avidly as a single one would.

Some who keep both turkeys and geese even sometimes have BOTH animals gang up on the threat, so the guineas would also be a good addition as they'll sound an alarm, which'll cause the turkeys and goose/geese to also sound the alarm and then if the threat doesn't leave, they will probably go on the attack. I will feel sorry for the fox if it doesn't heed the warnings from the potential army you may raise from eggs.

Wow, thank you! What geese are best for guard animals? If I get a single grown one will it integrate with my mature hens and rooster (wanted eggs this year so picked up some adults). I keep them penned now but still want that extra level of guardianship as my pen is 4'5 tall fence and the run is not covered. Guinea fowl are so tough to get here.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I want to say a flock of Guinea's can make all the noise they want and it only helps the fox, dogs, etc just zero in on them easier----a little guinea noise will not run off most predators!

 

[Welshies]

I want to say a flock of Guinea's can make all the noise they want and it only helps the fox, dogs, etc just zero in on them easier----a little guinea noise will not run off most predators!

I thought it would help, but my main concern is that the foxes will get used to it and eventually just ignore it, possibly only succeeding in temporary deterrance and pissing off the niehgbours.

 

[MageofMist]

Wow, thank you! What geese are best for guard animals? If I get a single grown one will it integrate with my mature hens and rooster (wanted eggs this year so picked up some adults). I keep them penned now but still want that extra level of guardianship as my pen is 4'5 tall fence and the run is not covered. Guinea fowl are so tough to get here.

I have seen Chinese Ganders mentioned quite a few times as good guard geese and African Geese also make good "guard dogs" too from what I read. Geese are both loud, like guinea fowl and give good warning calls to get the chickens to hide when they are accustomed to it, but also have the muscle to drive away predators if it comes to fighting.

As for adding adults... I have read mixed results. Either the goose takes to the flock of chickens, it becomes a bully but still gives warning calls, or it will outright kill the chickens and refuse to flock with them.

 

[Welshies]

I have seen Chinese Ganders mentioned quite a few times as good guard geese and African Geese also make good "guard dogs" too from what I read. Geese are both loud, like guinea fowl and give good warning calls to get the chickens to hide when they are accustomed to it, but also have the muscle to drive away predators if it comes to fighting.

As for adding adults... I have read mixed results. Either the goose takes to the flock of chickens, it becomes a bully but still gives warning calls, or it will outright kill the chickens and refuse to flock with them.

If I were to only get 1 goose, would a male or a female be better? I have 5 hens and a rooster and a couple rabbits, but otherwise no other fowl or animals.

 

[MageofMist]

If I were to only get 1 goose, would a male or a female be better? I have 5 hens and a rooster and a couple rabbits, but otherwise no other fowl or animals.

As far as I know, both male and female geese are just as territorial... Just one lays eggs and one doesn't.

Male geese CAN be more aggressive if they have females around them, but both the males and females beat you up if they don't like you. I know from experience from working at a community farm and having to equip a prodding stick and bin lid shield when changing their food and water.

 

[Welshies]

As far as I know, both male and female geese are just as territorial... Just one lays eggs and one doesn't.

Male geese CAN be more aggressive if they have females around them, but both the males and females beat you up if they don't like you. I know from experience from working at a community farm and having to equip a prodding stick and bin lid shield when changing their food and water.

Silly geese. I've also heard peacocks are good defenseman because predators get freaked out by their tails although I don't know anyone that has tried. Anyone?

 

[MageofMist]

Silly geese. I've also heard peacocks are good defenseman because predators get freaked out by their tails although I don't know anyone that has tried. Anyone?

I saw a male peafowl chasing some fully grown emus around their enclosure in a zoo after the peacock found his way in the pen... The poor emu flock were terrified. I imagine the display would freak out other creatures too even if they are much larger than the bird itself like the emu were.