Guinea pics & they went outside today!

[Keisha]

Thanks everybody for your great comments and interest! I was almost going to stop posting pics b/c they arent babies anymore. I have 30 rouge guineas in my band. I had no idea that they would choose to stay in the coop for so long! Speckled Hen said to let them go out when they are ready, and its working well so far. I can't wait to see them out chasing bugs.

Your guineas are still adorable even though they are getting older. My mom says guineas are so ugly they're cute. and i agree. We have 8 of them and 13 of them in the bator. I also live in Iowa (north east corner though) , and we just love having them because they are interesting and entertaining to watch, though they make the dumbest dicisions sometimes. But they are awesome bug eaters. Thanks to them we havent had too many ticks or mosquitos this year. I also hope that after the beans are picked that they eat the horrible asian beetles that come every year.

We've never raised keets though, do you have any tips?​

 

[robin416]

Not a lot to keets. Giving them the highest protein feed available while they're growing is pretty important. Making sure they are in an enclose they can't fly out of is right up there too. They begin flying really, really young.

At one point introductions will be necessary between them and your adults. You'll need to provide them with a secure pen in the guinea coop for however long it takes for the adults to accept them. When the adults are fine with them they'll let you know to let the keets go.

 

[Keisha]

Not a lot to keets. Giving them the highest protein feed available while they're growing is pretty important. Making sure they are in an enclose they can't fly out of is right up there too. They begin flying really, really young.

What kind of food did you feed yours?​

 

[wren]

Hi Keisha! I fed mine turkey starter (26% protein) for about 3 months then switched to chicken grower (16% protein). They need more brooder space than chicks. They love to run. I used a long narrow brooder so I could catch and hold all the keets. If you want them tame, they all must be held 3xs a day everyday, and the first days are the most important. I changed their litter everyday b/c their poos smell. I used old bath towels so they would not get spradle legs. Some people switch to shavings on the second day, and I wish that I would have. Oh put marbles in the water tray so they can't fall into it. If they do and get chilled they will die. Those little things get themselves into trouble so easily! Play the radio for them, they love it. Leave them locked into the coop for 6 weeks before turning them loose.

 

[Keisha]

Hi Keisha! I fed mine turkey starter (26% protein) for about 3 months then switched to chicken grower (16% protein). They need more brooder space than chicks. They love to run. I used a long narrow brooder so I could catch and hold all the keets. If you want them tame, they all must be held 3xs a day everyday, and the first days are the most important. I changed their litter everyday b/c their poos smell. I used old bath towels so they would not get spradle legs. Some people switch to shavings on the second day, and I wish that I would have. Oh put marbles in the water tray so they can't fall into it. If they do and get chilled they will die. Those little things get themselves into trouble so easily! Play the radio for them, they love it. Leave them locked into the coop for 6 weeks before turning them loose.

Thank you for the advice, i'll deffinltly use it when/if they hatch. Which i hope is very soon.​

 

[chicks rule]

Great looking bunch you have there Wren. I just love Guinea's, I have eight of various ages in the coop and six in a brooder in the house. I got my first one's a year or so ago and didn't have any luck with them hanging around. I had one lone guinea, for about six months and now she has friends, and I am having good luck with them staying home and they do go roost way before the chickens and will go to the coop to roost,

they live in harmony with the chickens which is a plus, and they are a hoot to watch in the yard, and will come running when I step out the back door. Keep the pics coming!!!!!