Guineas have shipped

[Fcarter]

Just got notice that my new guineas have shipped. I am so nervous about doing everything correct. Once I get them are they similar to chicks - dip beaks in water, check for pasty butt, etc? What else should I do other than feed them, water and enjoy? Thanks!

 

[R2elk]

Just got notice that my new guineas have shipped. I am so nervous about doing everything correct. Once I get them are they similar to chicks - dip beaks in water, check for pasty butt, etc? What else should I do other than feed them, water and enjoy? Thanks!

I start mine at 90°F measured at the bedding level. Some people start them at 95°F.

Iuse sand for bedding. It is recommended to not use wood chips for bedding for the first couple of weeks. If using wood chips for bedding, make sure the keets have appropriately sized grit available.

Feed them a quality turkey or game bird starter for the first 6 to 8 weeks.

 

[Fcarter]

I start mine at 90°F measured at the bedding level. Some people start them at 95°F.

Iuse sand for bedding. It is recommended to not use wood chips for bedding for the first couple of weeks. If using wood chips for bedding, make sure the keets have appropriately sized grit available.

Feed them a quality turkey or game bird starter for the first 6 to 8 weeks.

Thank you so much. Should I worry about them eating the sand? But using sand does sound cleaner.

 

[R2elk]

If the sand is coarse, a little of it will act as grit for them. I live on a sand dune and hand dig my sand, I do not wash it or anything other than maybe pick out some roots that get mixed in.

I like using sand as I can sprinkle the starter feed on it which gets them eating very quickly. I don't notice any harmful effects from my keets being on sand.

 

[Fcarter]

If the sand is coarse, a little of it will act as grit for them. I live on a sand dune and hand dig my sand, I do not wash it or anything other than maybe pick out some roots that get mixed in.

I like using sand as I can sprinkle the starter feed on it which gets them eating very quickly. I don't notice any harmful effects from my keets being on sand.

Thanks! Will go out before they arrive and buy sand for them.

 

[R2elk]

Thanks! Will go out before they arrive and buy sand for them.

If you don't have sand, there is nothing wrong with putting them on coarse paper towels. I use sand because I live on a sand dune. If I didn't live on a sand dune I probably wouldn't buy sand to use.

Just make sure that your bedding surface is not smooth. Their legs are fragile and they can very quickly develop splay leg on a smooth surface.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Thanks! Will go out before they arrive and buy sand for them.

I have been using puppy pads lately. It works well until they get old enough to try eating those too, but I can also scatter a little crushed feed there too to get them eating. I’ve never ordered shipped keets, but from reading lots of posts, I think shipping can be harder on them than chicks. I don’t know if some low stress, quiet would help their shipping stress? Dipping each beak in tepid (never cold) water is important I think. For shipped keets, I’d also consider Nutridrench or electrolytes for the first day or two. Best of luck!!!

 

[Fcarter]

I have been using puppy pads lately. It works well until they get old enough to try eating those too, but I can also scatter a little crushed feed there too to get them eating. I’ve never ordered shipped keets, but from reading lots of posts, I think shipping can be harder on them than chicks. I don’t know if some low stress, quiet would help their shipping stress? Dipping each beak in tepid (never cold) water is important I think. For shipped keets, I’d also consider Nutridrench or electrolytes for the first day or two. Best of luck!!!

They are here!! So cute and very loud.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

They are here!! So cute and very loud.

Congratulations!!!

 

[Fcarter]

Congratulations!!!

I gave the keets a day to settle in. They are doing very well. They peek their heads out from under the heater when I call them so I decided to start handling them today. They were so nervous and scared. All but one of them pooped on me. We're off to a great start.