integrating youngsters with older flock

[Speckled01]

So now we have put the metal dog crate in the nursery. The pre teens are in there. That seems to have helped tremendously. The teens have done some pecking but I do not think it is aggressive as the preteens do not back off. They stay clos to the teens and peck back. During the day the teens will laydown next to the dog crate. At night they do go up to the open brooder box. So, any thoughts on what will tell us it is okay to open up the dog crate and let the little buggers out?

Off topic- I was talking to my neighbor who has chickens. She only cleans out twice a year. I have been cleaning out daily. How often do you clean out the litter for your guineas? I have left it for a few days. The flies are getting outrageous and the smell is not pleasant.

 

[Speckled01]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. The teens and pre-teens learned this concept this morning. A snake killed two of the pre-teens who were still in the dog crate. I am glad that I really looked around, because a big indigo was digesting on a ledge watching all of the guineas. My husband caught the bugger and transplanted him 5 miles away. We live in a National Forest so he can find lots of mice and rats to eat.
The teens ran into the dog crate and joined the remaining 4 preteens. I watched for a while and checked on them- no pecking amongst them. When I left for work they were all huddled together. I hope when I get home they will be out milling about.

 

[PeepsCA]

Sorry for your losses, dang snakes. So glad I don't have predator snake issues here. we have gopher snakes in this area (and of course rattlesnakes) but so far I have had no snakes in my coops/pens and no losses to snakes. Hopefully it stays that way!

I have noticed over the years that (no matter the age) once the Guineas see other Guineas or flock-mates getting taken by a predator all differences are instantly put aside/forgotten and they will then all stick together for protection/security. Congrats on the integration, tho not the best way to get them there at least you ARE getting them there. Sure has been a bumpy road for you tho, lol (sorry for laughing.. I just know how frustrated you must be!).

 

[Speckled01]

Thanks peeps. It has been a bit frustrating. It was so much easier to start the original flock.... although now that I think of it, dealing with pasty butt, poopie feet, training to the roost, training the dogs to the guineas, the mile march of the guineas back to the roost after their first snow, eggs everywhere except the roost.... the whole thing has been an adventure.

 

[PeepsCA]

LOL

Uh huh, been there done ALL of that many times (well except the snow part... don't get much of that here, lol).