introduction

[Con0]

I am down to 3 Guineas so I want to get 5 more adults. I have 2 old outhouses, converted to coops inside the run. I would like them to all eventually be in the one coop (insulated) Meanwhile I will divide the run and separate the coops until they are familiar with one another. My established flock of 3 are in the coop I do not plan on using through winter. My question is, should I move my 3 to the future winter coop or put the new adults there?

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

So you currently have two separate groups of adult guineas?

 

[Con0]

So you currently have two separate groups of adult guineas?

No, I am down to 3 and they are 4 months old. I am getting 5 , same age , on Tuesday. I plan om dividing the run so they can become familiar before putting them together.

 

[My2butterflies]

Is there a way to divide the coop so they can all go into the winter coop together? That would be my ideal way to go.
Otherwise I’d put the new guys in the winter coop and keep the current 3 in their coop while making the outside introductions.

I just think it’s important that they get used to each other in their “sleeping space” Not just outside. Guineas are pretty good about accepting others outdoors, but the coop is another story. At least in my very limited experience.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

No, I am down to 3 and they are 4 months old. I am getting 5 , same age , on Tuesday. I plan om dividing the run so they can become familiar before putting them together.

I see. I hope that introducing both groups as juveniles will ease the integration stress! I agree with My2butterflies about trying to get them all into the same coop. If you eventually free range them, getting them to consistently come back to their coop at night is so important for predator protection. You want them to fixate on the coop as their safe home base, so if you can arrange it, getting them all into that permanent coop at night will help them to form that important habit.

 

[Con0]

The 3 free range now but the 5 I'm getting do not, as far as I know. The 3 I raised from Keats and they follow me around. I am not expecting the new ones to take to me. Do you free range in the Winter?

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

The 3 free range now but the 5 I'm getting do not, as far as I know. The 3 I raised from Keats and they follow me around. I am not expecting the new ones to take to me. Do you free range in the Winter?

We do, though we don’t live in a very cold or snowy area.

 

[southwind00]

The 3 free range now but the 5 I'm getting do not, as far as I know. The 3 I raised from Keats and they follow me around. I am not expecting the new ones to take to me. Do you free range in the Winter?

Your new 5 will have to be kept in their coop for five or six weeks so they know that is their home. Your original 3 will still be able to free range and get use to the new 5.

 

[R2elk]

We do, though we don’t live in a very cold or snowy area.

I open the guinea door all winter long and let the guineas decide whether or not they want to go out. They tend to go out at least briefly no matter how cold it is.