Laying Guinea

[HMurph]

Hello All,

I have one female Guinea with 4 males. She started laying this week! We have been having some weird springlike weather swings here in Texas, so I think that is what has gotten her started. This is my first time with any kind of poultry and I am lost on what to do next. She was laying under the front porch, but when I took her eggs she made a new nest in tall grass. I haven't taken those eggs yet because I don't want to have to find the next nest. Also, every time I see the males try to get on her she basically beats them up, so I'm not sure if they are fertilized or not. Below are some questions I have about this that I think you guys will be able to help with.

1. Do fake eggs help with her laying in one spot? Where can I find guinea sized fake eggs?
2. Isn't it too early for her to lay?
3. Is it worth it to incubate at this point in time? I would have to get the equipment and do the research to be able to do so and would hate for the birds to hatch then have to be inside forever because of weather.

Thank you!

 

[red horse ranch]

The eggs are likely to be fertile. A guinea hen will choose one male for a mate and will not let the others breed her.

Fake eggs sometimes will keep them laying in the same spot. What I do is mark 2 or 3 of her eggs and leave them in the nest. All the fresh ones are taken out and eaten just like chicken eggs. Gather the eggs when she doesn't see you.

If this is her 1st year to lay then it's not uncommon for them to lay a few eggs in winter.

I think it's a little early in the year to let her hatch. The keets would have a hard time surviving if the weather turned cold while they were little.

 

[HMurph]

Red Horse Ranch -
I like the idea of just using her own eggs. I thought they would leave it if they lost any from the nest?

It is her first year so I hope this little spout stops soon. I don't think keets would last in early March! I also don't want them in the house forever if I decided to incubate them right now. My dogs don't appreciate the noises they make!

Thanks for the advise!