Guineas and Minnesota winters

[wordgirl]

We're thinking about getting guineas either this summer or next, and we're wondering if they would survive without shelter over the winter. We're not sure all the chickens and guineas would fit together in the coop, and even if they did, I've heard that the male guineas can be a little domineering. Do you give your guineas shelter during the winter, or are they all right on their own? We have pheasants around our house (wild – they take care of themselves) but guineas are African birds, aren't they? Do they get too cold?

 

[sparkles2307]

Ah yes my ever present concern about "their naked little heads" in these blasted MN winters. I think if I am able to get my hands on any I will feel obligated to coop them up with the ducks (they would of course be able to go out if they wanted) in the goat barn all winter. What was it someone said on here a while back... "there arent that many brains up there to freeze" ? hehe

 

[rooster0209]

I have had them for three years and they survive the winters fine. They even made it thru the 3 wks of -32 below we had this year. I dont have a heated coop. My coop is a cinderblock hoghouse that I converted for chickens. Its draft free and stays dry. They must have protected from the cold. I also have straw on the ground during the winter. I use a heated dog dish for a waterer, use 2x4's for roosts so they keep their toes warm. Mine are raised right along with the chickens.

They are laying like crazy too. I have a batch in the bator right now.Where are you located in MN? I will have keets avail for sale and have eggs avail too.

 

[Munchies]

I'm sure you can tell from the other posts that Guinea fowl DO need shelter to survive the cold temperatures. They also need access to water that is not frozen and food.

We have a coop made of 12" thick stone that is dug into the side of our hill, only one side is above ground. We do not heat it but provide 18 hours of light on the short winter days. The coop never gets below 45F even when its 3 below outside so we do not worry about the water freezing. In the summer, it also stays cool.