Guinea fowl

[Mendy60]

I just recently bought two matured Guinea fowls. One male and female. Anyone with ideas on how to keep them from flying away when I release them to free range.

 

[R2elk]

I just recently bought two matured Guinea fowls. One male and female. Anyone with ideas on how to keep them from flying away when I release them to free range.

Adult guineas need to be penned up for at least 6 weeks to learn that the new place is now home.

Guinea fowl are flock birds and do best in large groups. I never recommend having fewer than 10.

 

[SamLockwood]

I just recently bought two matured Guinea fowls. One male and female. Anyone with ideas on how to keep them from flying away when I release them to free range.

As R2Elk said, you need to keep them penned up for at least six weeks and they do better in larger groups.

Keeping them around long term depends on what incentives you give to them to keep around. I do some occasional treats & have food & water available for them too to supplement their foraging. Otherwise if you just let them run wild with no support they'll just wander off if they don't get eaten by something.

Unless your property is particularly large, you may also want to think about fencing: something at least 5 feet tall that they can't perch on top of. Guineas like to wander during the day, and will easily wander off your property. Mine repeatedly tried to invade a neighbor's dog-yard and chase off their rottweiler. One day they took off into a wooded area adjacent to my property for hours, but did come back eventually.

I've seen other people's guineas wander into public roads, too.

 

[Mendy60]

As R2Elk said, you need to keep them penned up for at least six weeks and they do better in larger groups.

Keeping them around long term depends on what incentives you give to them to keep around. I do some occasional treats & have food & water available for them too to supplement their foraging. Otherwise if you just let them run wild with no support they'll just wander off if they don't get eaten by something.

Unless your property is particularly large, you may also want to think about fencing: something at least 5 feet tall that they can't perch on top of. Guineas like to wander during the day, and will easily wander off your property. Mine repeatedly tried to invade a neighbor's dog-yard and chase off their rottweiler. One day they took off into a wooded area adjacent to my property for hours, but did come back eventually.

I've seen other people's guineas wander into public roads, too.

Thanks for the advice. I will keep them penned for few more weeks.

 

[Hempmama]

Mine love those dried meal worms! I have them trained to come when I call them and I just call Guinea Guinea Guinea Guinea... repeatedly in a high voice and they come running because whenever I did that when they were small I would sprinkle those mealworms on the ground while I said it so now they hear me calling them and they know they will get treats. They usually come running, even from neighbors properties a few acres away. Good luck in your Guinea adventures!

 

[NC Amazonchick]

I just recently bought two matured Guinea fowls. One male and female. Anyone with ideas on how to keep them from flying away when I release them to free range.

Where did you get them from? I can't find them ANYWHERE in Central NC. Can only get chicks shipped and have to buy 20. I'm only looking for four or so...six if I have to.

 

[R2elk]

Where did you get them from? I can't find them ANYWHERE in Central NC. Can only get chicks shipped and have to buy 20. I'm only looking for four or so...six if I have to.

Post a wanted ad on your local Craigslist. Ask around at your local feed stores. If they are a local, not chain, feed store, they will know their clients and should be able to put you in touch with local guinea raisers.

Local feed stores often have a bulletin board where you can post your wanted ad.

It is unlikely that keets will be available locally at this time of year.

Guineas are flock birds and do best in large groups. I never recommend having fewer than 10.

 

[NC Amazonchick]

Post a wanted ad on your local Craigslist. Ask around at your local feed stores. If they are a local, not chain, feed store, they will know their clients and should be able to put you in touch with local guinea raisers.

Local feed stores often have a bulletin board where you can post your wanted ad.

It is unlikely that keets will be available locally at this time of year.

Guineas are flock birds and do best in large groups. I never recommend having fewer than 10.

What if they are part of a flock? I was thinking four to six guineas. I'm getting an established flock of silkies (12) that I was hoping to add them to. Would that work?

 

[NC Amazonchick]

Post a wanted ad on your local Craigslist. Ask around at your local feed stores. If they are a local, not chain, feed store, they will know their clients and should be able to put you in touch with local guinea raisers.

Local feed stores often have a bulletin board where you can post your wanted ad.

It is unlikely that keets will be available locally at this time of year.

Guineas are flock birds and do best in large groups. I never recommend having fewer than 10.

Thank you. I will visit the local AgriSupply. I don't shop at tractor supply any longer.

 

[R2elk]

What if they are part of a flock? I was thinking four to six guineas. I'm getting an established flock of silkies (12) that I was hoping to add them to. Would that work?

No, chickens aren't guineas and do not satisfy the flock requirements. Guineas have entirely different habits and instincts than any other poultry. Chickens can become terrorized by guineas.

Due to their vaulted skulls, I would not keep Silkies with guineas. One good head peck from a guinea could be a death sentence to a Silky.