guineas, why are they so mean?

[PeepsCA]

Our guineas were hatched July 4th by an orpington hen. They are still following her around in a flock dynamic 10+ weeks later. Those that do fly out of the fencing ( 6 ft) go around constantly trying to get back in. When they free range, the guinea flock pretty much stays together with mama orp. Not all of the guineas will fly out-- only those that happen to roost outside a particular nite. They don't seem to want to leave mama inside the fence.
At what age shoudl we expect to see some bossiness start with the chickens? We have 12 guineas and about 20 hens and 2 roos. Chicken flock is marans, orps and EEs.

Typically Guineas can start getting aggressive with each other or towards other poultry once they've matured enough for their hormones kick in... which can be anywhere from 8 wks old on up. Since it's late in the year/season you may not see any aggression from your Guineas until next Spring when the hormones flair again, and since your Guineas were hatched and raised by an Orpington Hen they may always respect your chickens, it really depends on the individual birds and the flock's dynamics tho. I would encourage as much free range time as possible, especially at the start of next Spring. Guineas in flocks that are confined to small areas usually experience aggression/territorial issues a lot sooner and to a worse degree than flocks that get plenty of free range time. Even tho your Guineas can fly out if they want to... I'd still open the pen and make them go out for free range time each day (weather permitting). Plenty of free range time/exercise has always been key to keeping the peace in my flocks... they are able to burn off their extra energy and aggression, and there's more room for the birds lower in the pecking order to get out of the way of any aggressors.

 

[quadchick77]

Some of our crazy guineas. We Call them the Guinea Patrol.

And some more.We now have 11 total. One just showed up with the rest of the group.I suppose he belongs to a neighbor . They torture the chickens. We finally just made them their own coop so they would quit the harrassment.

 

[akcountrygrrl]

I would suspect part of the problem stems from having too many male guineas. In my experience, the males tend to be much more aggressive than the hens. When I have had issues, I separated the male guineas and slowly integrated them back into the flock one at a time. My current flock of about 20 guineas runs and coops up with my other poultry. I've had no problems with this bunch but it's a very balanced bunch with 5 males and 15 females. I've had more issues with the geese and turkeys attacking my chickens than the guineas lately.

The guineas still tend to keep to their own and run around like one big precision running team. I call them the goonie squad.

 

[laturcotte1]

We pruchased two guinea fowl, one barred rock rooster and 2 barred rock hens, all 3 weeks old. Everything was wonderful, when they started to mature the rooster kept everyone in line, the guineas began to spar but the rooster would step in before things got out of hand. I began to realize my guinea fowl were both males. Then one day rooster tried to stop the sparring and they beat the crap out of him, there was blood everywhere. That was the day I had to separate them. The guinea are extremely high strung, the males have to show off ALL THE TIME and yes they do have mob mentality. If you know and understand that you'll love them but for those that have no experience or have not researched you may hate them. They are nearly wild even if handled daily. Not all of course but be prepared, read what people say about them its not a exageration. I learned the hard way but I was very lucky to find a home of lots and lots of hens and they still after 3 years are living happily ever after. Oh yeah, THEY ARE LOUD!!!!