Guinea Fowl

[bigchicken56]

Well, i have a question regarding my 3 Guineas i just purchesed. When they are fully grown can i let them out during the day and will they come back to the coup at night? I think they are a month and a half old right now. How old should they be before a let them free range during the day?

 

[jtbrown]

Hi, welcome. I have had my guineas for a year, same group, so I only have my experience to go on, but, here it is. Mine come in with some help. There have occasionally been times that one, two, or maybe three have stayed out all night. I am worried about predators, but I also cannot make them come in. Compared to chickens, the guineas are quite strong and I don't consider myself wimpy, but capturing one and getting it in the coop was not a pleasant experience, so best to "bait" them into wanting to go in instead.

I give mine scratch every night, start it while they are penned, call them, put scratch out for them at around the same time each night. I would leave them penned if it is healthy (safe) for them and they have enough room right now. I penned mine for 4 months or maybe a little more, but had a covered outdoor run for them. Now I let them out every morning on my way to work, and they pretty much (a few stragglers baited in with the scratch) come back about an hour before dark to roost. I have 11 birds, I had 12 but one got scared when a dog got loose while in training and actually broke it's own neck getting away from the dog

I hope this helps. We have had a great guinea experience, they love the grass, bugs, etc. They are fun to watch, albeit loud.

Let me know if you have other questions. Also -- there is a guinea section in the other section. Lots of great information there, I consulted it frequently as they were growing out. I got mine as day olds.