How old is too old?

[eggcited2]

I know you need to raise guineas on the land that is going to be their home, but at what age is too old to get some and move them to your home?

There are a bunch of 7 month old guineas on craigslist that someone is wanting to get rid of. Would they adjust to being moved and having a new place to live?

What is the general average age of when they are too old to be moved/transplanted?

I am not able to brood out any babies and some that are beyond brooder age and ready to live outside (with shelter of course) would be just right for me.

 

[Cindy in PA]

At that age they should do fine as long as you keep them penned at least 6 weeks to several months and train them to being called for millet etc. My first ones were a year and 1/2 old and after 2 months of training I left them out and they came back to the coop at night. Where they came from, these birds were penned for eggs in the spring & then left out 24/7 to roost in trees for the rest of the season. I still managed to train them to come in at night without many problems. My current bunch were 14 weeks old when I got them. Just started letting them out after 6 months & so far I have had no problems with them returning when I whistle & bring treats. I would go for it!

 

[PeepsCA]

Really no age is too old to "reprogram" Guineas to a new home... but like Cindy mentioned how long you keep them penned before letting them out is the key. Usually at least 6 wks of confinement in their new coop/pen lets them get acclimated to roosting there, lets them get to know and (somewhat) trust you, and they also get a chance to get used to some of the normal sights and sounds of your land before you let them start free ranging. Some birds don't need the full 6 wks, but some may need a lot longer. Every situation is different of course, but I always recommend at least 6 wks, no matter what age.

Counting on them to return to the coop on their own after the confinement time doesn't always work out as planned tho... what has worked for me for years is always using the same call over and over every time you feed them (from the day you get them). This helps them associate that particular call with food, gets their attention really quick and will definitely work to your advantage once you start letting them out. Guineas are very food motivated, so giving them an evening treat in the coop (while using your food call) and making that a normal routine for them while they are still confined is something they pick up on and learn to look fwd to pretty fast. Only feeding them and giving them treats in the coop/pen for a while once you let them start free ranging also helps make the coop/pen a place they really want to be.