how do you find your free range nests?

[artsyrobin]

but won't they abandon the nest if you find where they are laying?

 

[Cacklin" Hens]

Not if you don't take all the eggs at once. Always leave at least 3 in there all the time and they shouldn't-mine never have-move

 

[Lollipop]

A fellow on another forum said he used his turkey call to locate 2 setting hens. Chirped a few times and they answered. I have yet to try it, but it sure would help if it works.
I had 2 nests that I located recently. Took some eggs from the first one and 3 days later a predator destroyed the nest. The other nest had 24 eggs and was destroyed. Makes me think I should collect eggs, but I stopped using an incubator years ago. Maybe time for another one.......Pop

 

[fgdiii]

My dogs used to bring the eggs to me. They are so hard that the dogs seldom broke the eggs. They would set them on my back porch. Now we pen them up as soon as we see the first egg. Usually they lay the first eggs of the season where they stay a night.

 

[MuranoFarms]

Quote:
Sell them or eat them, or stick them in the compost pile. I wouldn't leave them out there though. My thoughts are....if the predators learn where to find eggs/food they will be back. I'm afraid once the guineas are no longer laying the predators will eat the guineas if they get hungry enough.

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:
Sell them or eat them, or stick them in the compost pile. I wouldn't leave them out there though. My thoughts are....if the predators learn where to find eggs/food they will be back. I'm afraid once the guineas are no longer laying the predators will eat the guineas if they get hungry enough.

I hope they do come back. I`m counting on catching a bunch of them. Got 3 live traps and plenty experience. .........Pop

 

[rancher hicks]

Couldn't you just build nest boxes and station them around the range? Kinda like bluebird houses, just slightly up off the ground? and leave a couple of wooden eggs inside?

 

[grammy of David]

IF YOU LIVE IN SW KANSAS IN A VERY RUGGED AREA LIKE MYSELF,VERY CAREFULLY FOR YOU MAY FIND A RATTLER INSTEAD!

ALL JOKING ASIDE, I WATCH THEY ACTIVITY, BECAUSE THE HEN SINGS As she lays and others stand guard. be sure not to look at them at all, or go near the nest. wait about 14 days to pick up the eggs. it has been my experience that if you mess with the nest, she will abandon it. WHEN I AM LOOKING FOR EGGS, I LOOK WHERE NO GUINEAS ARE ABOUT. I USE A LEAF RAKE TO GENTLY HOLD BACK WEEDS AND TALL GRASS. THAT WAY THE GRASS POPS BACK UP ,AND IF THERE IS A SNAKE AT LEAST YOU ARE A COUPLE AXE HANDLES AWAY FROM IT SORRY ABOUT ALL CAPS, BUT MY EYE SITE IS POOR! ....................................................................................................................................................................................... BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD......PSALMS: 46:10.................................................... HOW ELSE COULD A LITTLE EGG TURN INTO A WONDERFUL LIFE!

 

[poultryfan73]

Quote:
Mine make a weird noise too. But the only reasons i find their nests is because of the weird voice they make and 2. its probably just luck that i find the nests!

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:
Good question. Some folks have had success building plywood teepee`s and covering them with brush and placing them in secluded spots on their property. They must be on the ground, though, as guineas nest on the ground 99% of the time. They also seem to prefer both ends open. There are instances where guineas will use a chicken nest, but these are penned birds and not a natural thing for guineas............Pop