Mother heating pad for guineas?

[Mommatreekeeper]

Hello! Long time lurker but first time posting.
I have guinea keets shipping tomorrow and I just got my chicken brooder set up today. I love using the heating pad method and making a ‘cave’ for chicks to crawl under. I successfully raised 15 this spring, they all feathered out at 4 weeks old and are very healthy! I assumed I could do it with guinea keets but just read that they are much more delicate than chickens. Has anyone used the heating pad method to raise keets? I’m nervous they will not be warm enough. I have 35 coming but will be splitting them with people and I’m only keeping 15.

 

[ChickNanny13]

@Blooie

 

[Blooie]

They should be fine - just keep a close eye on them because from what I’ve heard they aren’t always the brightest crayons in the box as chicks. I have never done MHP with guineas. Never raised them.

 

[Blooie]

Thanks for the tag, @ChickNanny13, I forgot to say!

 

[Mommatreekeeper]

They should be fine - just keep a close eye on them because from what I’ve heard they aren’t always the brightest crayons in the box as chicks. I have never done MHP with guineas. Never raised them.

Thank you! Your giant thread was what got me going on the heating pads. I really appreciate the info. I’m hoping they’re all set to go. I know people have raised turkeys using this method

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I have raised plenty (ie hundreds) using MHP. If you can get a couple chicks to put with them, I highly recommend it. The chicks help keep them from being complete idiots. Instead they will only be 95% idiotic.

 

[Mommatreekeeper]

That’s hilarious. Are they idiots like turkeys are idiots? I’ve raised poults before and it’s a miracle they’re not extinct

 

[Blooie]

Thank you! Your giant thread was what got me going on the heating pads. I really appreciate the info. I’m hoping they’re all set to go. I know people have raised turkeys using this method

You are so welcome!

I have raised plenty (ie hundreds) using MHP. If you can get a couple chicks to put with them, I highly recommend it. The chicks help keep them from being complete idiots. Instead they will only be 95% idiotic.

I knew someone had raised them but didn't want to stick my neck out! Thank you for the response - and the giggle!

 

[SunHwaKwon]

That’s hilarious. Are they idiots like turkeys are idiots? I’ve raised poults before and it’s a miracle they’re not extinct

Turkeys are more goofy in my experience, whereas guineas will REALLY make you wonder why they aren't extinct. Turkeys also have the added benefit of being friendly and personable, whereas most guineas prefer to act psychotic lol. I actually brooded some turkeys and guineas together and that worked well. The keets helped the poults figure out basic life skills like eating and drinking, and the poults convinced the keets that the sky wasn't actually falling.

 

[SunHwaKwon]