I need some guinea help!

[aticiabray]

Hello everyone, I've never raised guineas before but am planning on getting 2 or 3 in the next couple days and I just wanted to know what you all feed yours.
Is medicated turkey starter ok? That's what is recommended for pheasants but I wasn't sure about guineas.
Anyway, I'd like to know that and any other tips you may have.
Please and thank you!!

 

[PeepsCA]

If they are keets... medicated Turkey, Pheasant or Game Bird starter feed with Amprolium is ok for them. Feed that is medicated with Bacitracin isn't the best choice tho, I lost a lot of keets when I used it. If they are older than 6-8 wks old they really do not need medicated feed at that age.

Since you are doing your homework on how to feed them... while you are at it you might want to do a little research on why just 2-3 Guineas isn't enough...

 

[indigo3]

I would suggest starting with a bigger group too.guimeas are flock animals. Are you buying kewts or adults?

 

[aticiabray]

I have medicated turkey feed with Amprolium that I feed to my pheasants. Just wanted to make sure it would be an ok choice to feed them. Thanks for the advice.
I'm getting keets. Why isn't it a good idea to just have two or three? I mean, it's not a terrible amount of company but they'll have some at least right?
Sorry if I sound clueless. Never done the guinea thing before.

 

[PeepsCA]

Guinea Fowl are flock oriented.. they do a lot better in larger flock numbers (of their own kind). If they do not have enough of their own kind to keep them focused on each other they can become aggressive, territorial and possessive, especially during the breeding season. So with just a couple or a few Guineas you will most likely end up with aggression issues directed at your other birds at some point, and it could even escalate to the point of the Guineas cannibalizing or killing one or more of your other birds... unless you keep the Guineas separate. And a penned Guinea is usually an unhappy Guinea.

There are tons and tons of posts here on BYC about the different problems people have when they just have a few Guineas. In fact I just read a recent one a couple minutes ago about a male Guinea killing and eating the side of a Silkie's face (the OP only had a male/female pair, in a mixed flock)

 

[indigo3]

I usually start with at least 10-15 keets. they enjoy each others company. mine spread out in a line to work through the fields and eat they are funny, but definitely seem happier Ina bigger group

 

[aticiabray]

Oh my. I guess it's a good thing that I sought advice. That's scary.
I decided to wait until I know a little more about them and am prepared more to get them. I'd hate for them to start killing the other birds. ): .