Im new to raising chickens and may have a problem and need help

[Dayne]

Hey and thanks in advance for any help you offer. We have our first chickens, barred rock and partridge rocks and 6 guineas. I am starting to get concerned about having guineas and chickens and am wondering if it was a bad idea to have both. The problems I have seen so far that I think may be due to having the guineas is that the guineas seem to be leading the chickens astray. A couple of time the whole flock has wondered way into the woods and i am wondering if this is due to the guineas leading the way. The latest problem that really concerns me is that for the first time the guineas all decided to get up on top of the pen to stay the night there. They have all been let out to free range for about a week and this is the first time this has happened as far as the top of the pen deal. Previously they have all been in the coop by sunset. Along with the guineas 2 roosters and a hen are up on the pen with the guineas. I guess my question is are the guineas leading the chickens astray. I got the guineas to have around for fun and bug control but am mostly interested in the fresh eggs I hope to get from my hens and will let the guineas go if they are going to be a problem with my chickens. I also noticed today for the first time they were getting after one of my hens as a group. I have no experience personally except the last 3 months with these birds and so far its all been great until now. I need help and look forward and thank you for any you can offer on this.

Thanks,
Dayne

 

[Judy]

A friend of mine never wanted any guineas because she said they wandered too far, slept where they wanted and you couldn't usually find the eggs.

I wouldn't say this is the "wrong" forum, but I wonder if you might get more replies if you post in the guineas forum.

Good luck.

 

[Siler]

I don't know if it's permitted, but I'd say keep this topic in both areas. I don't have guineas, but I do have experience with hens or a Roo in this case singling out one hen. I kept the Roo locked up for several days while the hens got to do their daily free-ranging so she could better bond with the rest of the hens. I had to keep her inside for a few days after she molted all at once and was as naked as a jaybird. It got cold fast here and I just wanted to make sure she was eating better and getting nothing but water with electrolytes. I let her go after 3 days and only one hen picked on her at first, but that was the Roo's favorite hen. After the first day they were all fine and now the Roo has stopped picking on that hen.

Maybe your one hen is acting different or is coming down with something that they are trying to get rid of.... Perhaps bring her in or seperate her so that she can eat better for a while, but you'd have to rebuild her bond with her fellow chicken hens so that they may fight for her as a group against the guineas. *shrugs* Maybe someone has a better idea. I hope things get better for you and keep perusing the forums. This forum is rich with information and you wont be a noob for long the more you learn on here.

 

[cletus the rooster]

how long did you have them penned?i penned mine for about a month before i let them free range and there is no question where home is.(3 guineas in with 9 golden comets)

 

[sourland]

Pretty much guinea behavior, and yes, they will occassionally pick one chicken and mob it. I love them, but they can be rowdy hooligans just like a gang of teen age boys.

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
I agree. If you have a good home they will stay close. Also, have fresh water & food available they will love their home. Birds want food & water & if they get this at home they will be home body's. At Least mine are.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Can you lure them into the coop with a treat, just before it's time to go to roost? That can also reinforce roosting in the coop.