Guinea Mating

[Bedford Guineas]

I have 2 pairs of Guineas over 2 years old, They're laying eggs but I have never seen any actual mating going on. Is this unusual?

 

[R2elk]

I have 2 pairs of Guineas over 2 years old, They're laying eggs but I have never seen any actual mating going on. Is this unusual?

Normal. You have to watch them for long periods in order to catch them in the act. They are very quick about it. I rarely see it happen.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I have 2 pairs of Guineas over 2 years old, They're laying eggs but I have never seen any actual mating going on. Is this unusual?

Agree with R2elk that they are pretty quick with the mating thing. Mine aren’t particularly shy about it but I still don’t observe very often. You can check the eggs for fertilization when you crack them open. This pic is of an unfertilized egg on the left, with a small white blastodisc. The egg on the right is fertilized, with the blastoderm that spreads out like a bullseye. Second pic is of another fertilized egg.

 

[Bedford Guineas]

Thanks for the info I'll keep watch and check the eggs. I thought they had stopped laying and then looked under the coop and a nest with a couple dozen eggs.

 

[R2elk]

Thanks for the info I'll keep watch and check the eggs. I thought they had stopped laying and then looked under the coop and a nest with a couple dozen eggs.

That's what guinea hens do. Once they figure out what is going on they tend to go for communal hidden nests.