hatching guinea fowl eggs in NH?

[bUg_Farm]

When they free range they do lay eggs in random places. However, a hen usually builds a nest in an out of the way place and lays her eggs in one place. Last year, my two hens used the same nest. When they get about 30 eggs, they will go broody. Again, my hens did this. They sat on those eggs like champs and even took turns between the two. Unfortunately, it was my choice to let them go 'natural' and I didn't move the nest and protect my girls. A fox took my broody hen and some of her eggs. Within days, it came back and took the next hen. I tried to incubate the remaining eggs but it was too late and they got too cold.

I don't think it will be a problem with a few random eggs. I agree with some of the posters - it's all in the training and how you choose to raise them. Mine are confined for at least 3-4 months - constantly. Then, they are released one at a time. The others call to that one that is free and keeps it focused on 'home'. At night, that one is put cooped up again. The next morning, a different guinea is released and the cycle continues.

Ours range all the time now. They know home and come home most every night. There have been about two nights that they chose to spend somewhere else (next farm over) but that's ok (with us and the neighbor).

I love guineas - they are little watch dogs on our property. Our dogs were taught to leave them alone. And, the guineas often fly over the fence to the goat pasture and the chickens. The hens actually give the guineas a run for their money. Interestingly, I only have male guineas right now and they all seem to get along fine.

Anyone want a male? I'm definitely in the market for fertile eggs this year. I'm looking for some different colors. I have lavender and buff pied.

 

[Klorinth]

I would definitely be doing the same kind of confinement routine. I just can't see any other way of doing it. Right now the coyotes are only on the other side of the highway and rail tracks. I imagine that will not last forever if I have poultry here. I just don't want to make it that much worse or quick.

I like the idea of training the dogs to leave them alone. Problem is that that will not be possible. Ours are a primitive breed. They are hunting machines, bred to run all day through any landscape, and run down everything. There is no way I would be able to stop them from chasing the Guineas. The dogs are confined to part of the property, but if the Guineas were to enter their areas... free game. Makes me wonder if they will learn not to go near the dogs.

Everyone does seem to agree that they are rather stupid.

 

[greathorse]

I started my guineas with my chickens and they roost with them every night. I sort of wish they would get out of there and roost in the trees, maybe this summer. So far mine have not been aggressive toward the chickens. They take the occasional swipe at them but that is all. They will need to be on good behavior to stay at this farm. I did butcher about a dozen of them this fall and I must say they are quite delicious. I raised the larger French variety, I dont think they fly as well as the smaller standard guinea. So far no eggs. As much as they sometimes aggravate with their constant complaining about this or that I have come to like them. Better not start taking feathers off the girls though or they will have a harder life. They do seem to have something to say almost constantly.

 

[bUg_Farm]

I wouldn't say Guineas are stupid but certainly they are not bright (at all).

They definitely learn certain patterns, they learn their people and other pets / livestock, and they learn other quirky things. For example, they know our dogs. And, they also have watched us chase the neighbor's dog off of our property. A few weeks ago, I was watching them from a window in the house and they were chasing the dog away. That's something they would never do with our dogs.

I understand about the breed of dog and the instinct it can have. But, I also believe in good training. Our smaller dog is part hound and loves to chase and tease the guineas. Without training, constant reinforcement, constant verbal guidance she would kill all of them in a day - ok, minutes.

I personally love guineas and I get a kick out of them. Not to mention that we or our animals don't get ticks during the summer. We largely cut back on their food in the summer and encourage almost complete ranging for food. We supplement - but not by much.

Another tidbit - we use white millet as a treat and they *love* it!

 

[Klorinth]

bUg_Farm,

It is the training part that makes me say that they would probably be fine until they crossed the invisible line, and entered the dog area. The dogs are trained to only be in part of the property. They have been very good about not going out of it, or chasing things out of that area. The problem is that in order to keep them in that area, the compromise is that they get free rain there. They are aloud to hunt in their own area. Mice mainly, but also rabbit, and the Prairie Chicken if any enter. Of course the wild animals know where the boundaries are and only cross at night when the dogs are not there. Even the skunks don't seem to try. I watch the tracks.

Part of my interest is in their foraging ability. We need something that can help with the ticks, grasshoppers, and crickets. We will be overrun otherwise. I figured that a small troop of ugly soldiers patrolling the property would be a good idea.

 

[Marlinchaser]

I would say the guineas will surprize you, I have only lost one to preditor, and that was because it decided to sleep in the trees at night. Guineas are very curious, and untrusting, and will probably tease your dog, but they are quick and doubt that more than one will get caught if one does get caught. I would bet they will test the boundries, but will find how much they can get away with.

 

[Klorinth]

I expect that Guineas will surprise me repeatedly. Or at least I hope they will. Isn't that the fun? lol I look forward to it.

We actually have five dogs at present. And periodically have more than that. The reality of being a breeder, as you all know. Just a different animal. lol

I guess it is worth losing one or two if the rest can learn from the loses. I just hope it isn't too many. They cost a fair amount here, per bird.

Edit: It occurs to me that I should ask about the collecting of eggs for hatching. Some of you have talked about incubating them or letting a broody chicken do it. How quickly do you need to find the eggs to move them? And what kind of success have you had?

 

[crzmoma]

I am a little late (by a few months) in catching this thread but thought I would comment anyways. I have 45 guineas running our 40 acres and they roost in the oak tree right behind our house; which is where our previous 3 adult guineas roosted. My husband and I bought 45 keets expecting that some of the keets may not survive. I lost 2 keets and now have 45 total. They have broken up into two (maybe three) groups. Oh, and one of the keets turned out to be a banti hen and she tries very hard to sound like her adopted siblings (it is really funny and odd sounding). She does not run with the chickens either (which we have over 50 of) she stays true to her adopted family and runs with the guineas. They are presently still sounding their alarm call (at 4:30am) and have not stopped all night. They do not bother me and if I throw them some dog food off the porch, I can have all 45 guineas at full attention. There is one guinea hen (pearl colored) that does not stop pot-racking at all. She goes night and day, is this normal? Anyways, I just thought I would stop in and say hello to all the other guinea lovers.