How predator savvy are guineas?

[sweeterdeeter42]

How predator savvy are guineas? I would like to add some to my yard, but I don't know much about them other than the basics. My neighbor had them once, and it seemed like he just couldn't get rid of them!

 

[robin416]

Very. Guineas react the moment something or someone foreign shows up in their domain. That is how they survive in the jungle. That does not mean they are not easy pickings on an outdoors nest or roosting in trees.

 

[peacockfarmer1]

I've got a few guineas that have been running my land for 2 or 3 years and the only ones ive ever lost where the hen assuming they started setting on their nest and an animal got them. now i try to put all the females up for breeding season
guineas fly very well

 

[fowlin]

im new to guineas also, though seems to be a general consensuses that they are tough indeed. we went with sixteen figuring safety in numbers. about putting the females up douse that reduce the teritory the males claim away from the coop?

 

[Pinky]

There are some wild guineas that roam my neighborhood. I think they escaped from someone's farm. They've lived on there own for 2 years now. There was some white ones too, but I haven't seen them since last year.
My guineas will scream there head off at anything they think is a danger to them. So far they've let me know 3 times when a hawk landed in a tree nearby. They also saved one of my roosters that flew over the fence. A dog was attacking him and I heard the guineas in time to save the bird. They also scream when the cat goes in the back yard, and when I go outside without food for them.

 

[Texakan]

We started out with 10 guineas but lost 7 due to a dachsund and a freak flying incident. I think what I have left are 2 males and 1 female and they pretty much leave the chickens alone.I worry so much about them that I guess I'm a little obsessed with their safety. Amazing how I find them so cute and lovable!

 

[PeepsCA]

I worry so much about them that I guess I'm a little obsessed with their safety.

Try obsessing over 49 adults... lol

I think you need a few more, you know... spread the love a little

 

[PeepsCA]

Quote:
My Guineas, as a flock are for the most part very predator savvy. They watch each other's backs and let me know whenever there's anything on the land that doesn't belong here. It's the dumb broody Hens sittin' on a pile of eggs out in the bushes that AREN'T savvy at all!

 

[Jen F]

TRUE or FALSE?

A guinea needs to be raised on the land where you want them to live. (You can't buy them as an adult and bring them in and expect them to stay there)

 

[PeepsCA]

Quote:
False.

You will however need to contain the birds for at least 4 weeks in their new coop/pen situation to learn where home is and learn where to roost before letting them out to free range for short periods at first, then gradually letting them out for longer and longer periods. They will need to be herded back in every night so they learn the routine and eventually go in on their own, or at least with minimal effort on your part.

Adults, and even pullets and cockerels that are just purchased and immediately let loose will most likely fly off, or get eaten by predators very quickly because they do not know where home is.