guineas

[ozark hen]

I have six keets that are 7 weeks old and one that is 10 weeks old. They have always freaked out when anyone has come near their pen. I have had them cooped up the entire time. I finally decided it was time to turn them loose and prayed they would return to their coop. When I first opened their cage (large cage within a pen)they still wouldn't leave the cage and I opened it for them for a week. the second week they wouldn't leave the pen. Now they finally left the pen last Monday and can be herded into the pen/cage very easily. tonight...I called and they FOLLOWED ME INTO THEIR PEN. I was shocked but very excited that they followed me and walked very close to me to get back into their cage for the night. I hope this wasn't a fluke and that they will do this every night until they go back on their own. They always act so scared of me so it was very heart-warming to earn their trust. Keep them cooped up a long, long time so they feel secure in there. Here is a photo of the keets taken 7/21 in their cage within the pen.

here they are happily free ranging this week

 

[LaMamaGallina]

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[ozark hen]

thank you, God has made much better looking creatures but I like them.

 

[LaMamaGallina]

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[ozark hen]

of the thirteen that escaped the only one I managed to catch was this one that is 9wks. She opened her wings for these little ones when I bought them..now mind you she was only 3 weeks at the time..and they all rushed to her. I told my dh it had to be a female. Turns out it is a female and they all do what she does. They are so neat because this bunch..so far..has never left our yard which is very large.

 

[JackieK318]

Isn't it great when they come when called. They always sound the alarm when I pull in the drive, then I say "it's just me everybody" and the guineas quiet down and come running. The chickens then follow. They even follow me to the door like "now, where's she going". Very loving creatures if you spend the time with them, but if you don't, forget it. They'll be as flighty as ever.

 

[ozark hen]

I did not spend any time with the guineas, I tried when they were first born but they always freaked out when they were/are caged up. It is only since they have free ranged and watched (I assume) the chickens come to me that they come around me. They take nothing to eat from my hand at all like the chickens but they sure do answer me when I call...well most of the time.

 

[LaMamaGallina]

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[ozark hen]

mine don't alert with the alarm call yet. Mine, too, go to roost first in their pen. I also don't believe in clipping their wings as I want them to be able to get away, but that is just for my flock, you can clip their wings if it your preference. You will enjoy guineas so much.