Integrating guinea flocks

[farmland5]

We have 3 separate guinea flocks.

8 guineas are in a 8x10 coop and large run. They are 1.5 yrs old.

6 guineas are in a smaller coop and run. They are 6 months old.

7 guineas also in smaller coop and run. Also 6 months old.

I’d like to integrate these flocks into 1 big flock. I’ve been afraid the older birds will kill the younger birds if I just put them in the older birds territory. And it’s very cold now so they all choose to stay in the coops more than usual. But I’m wondering if its better to integrate them now than before mating season hits in the spring.

I’d like to teach them all to free range during the day and come back to the coop at night.

How do I train these guineas to come home at night? How do I safely integrate them? How large of a coop do I need to house all 20 if they free range during the day?

 

[R2elk]

We have 3 separate guinea flocks.

8 guineas are in a 8x10 coop and large run. They are 1.5 yrs old.

6 guineas are in a smaller coop and run. They are 6 months old.

7 guineas also in smaller coop and run. Also 6 months old.

I’d like to integrate these flocks into 1 big flock. I’ve been afraid the older birds will kill the younger birds if I just put them in the older birds territory. And it’s very cold now so they all choose to stay in the coops more than usual. But I’m wondering if its better to integrate them now than before mating season hits in the spring.

I’d like to teach them all to free range during the day and come back to the coop at night.

How do I train these guineas to come home at night? How do I safely integrate them? How large of a coop do I need to house all 20 if they free range during the day?

Begin the integration by having the guineas in an area where each group can see each other through the fence. Once the attacks at each other through the fence stops, you can start allowing them to be together.

It is very likely that you will be able to get all three groups together but also very likely that they will act as 3 separate flocks with minimal intermingling.

Training can be done by teaching them to be herded. Use two long sticks as extensions of your arms. Go slowly and keep the guineas in the front of you and between the sticks.

If they scatter, start over. Never stop until you have managed to herd them to where you want them to be.

Guineas can also be trained to come to a call with the use of treats. At least one member trained his guineas to come to a ringtone.

 

[DukesDucks]

I was able to integrate this years hatches with existing 1.5 year olds. I did it in groups of 4 or 5 young ones together. I provided lots of hiding places simply using cardboard boxes open at both ends and pieces of boards leaning against the side of the coop. I added perches in the coop so lots of choices. Very few issues.

When teaching your guineas to herd, first pack you patience. It can be very frustrating when you're close, then one splits off and they all scatter. I'm glad no neighbours could see me walking around with pool noodles.

I use an old metal pan that makes a loud noise when I bang it. They know treats are about to be provided but only in the coop.