I have 12 chickens and 5 guineas right now, free range. I started the year with 9 guinieas and the ones I have lost were hens that were probably sitting on clutches of eggs where I could not find them. the Fox and Coyotes can find them much better than me. I have had
Guineas for 20 years. They are kind of neet to have from my prospective as they are comical to watch, beneficial in the yard and they are terrific tick control. They are much different from chickens. none of my guineas have ever been as friendly (pet like). but they are the first to know (even before the Dogs) that something is happening in the yard. If the Guineas start there 'alarm sound' all the chickens dive for cover and the dogs go ballistic. sometimes its a low flying buzzard, sometimes its the red tail or a fox and sometimes it the UPS truck. If you have close neighbors make sure they don't object to the LOUD noises these guys are going to make. Feeding requirements are different than chickens also. I'm in Michigan where there a couple months everybody is inside full time. I purchase second cutting Alfalfa hay to supplement there need for Greens and also relieves the boredom of a long winter closed in with nothing to do but pick on each other. I give them a small section of the bale each day that I can not let them out. Make sure your coop is big enough for everyone. My guineas occupy the top most rung of the roost ladder and they don't like anyone else next to them. The only chicken they tolerate up there next to them is my big rooster. Some people hate them, some people love them. count me as one of the Lovers!
