New guinea farmer

[turkeyschicken]

I'm new at raising and farming guineas. I have a few that are around 2-3 weeks old, and know nothing about how to tell sex and I would also like to know when they will be full grow!

Thanks, KR

 

[PeepsCA]

At around 5-6 weeks old the females can start making a 2 syllable buck-wheat call (males do not make this call, ever). Some Hens can hold out until around 8 weeks tho. You can do a search on youtube for the different Guinea sounds. At around 10 weeks the males can start to develop larger cupped wattles than the Hens, (but not all will, some males may have flat wattles, some may have one of each... the Hens can have asymmetrical wattles as well, so this is not always a reliable way to tell the sexes apart). And usually at this age the males start getting cocky, charging at other birds with their wings slightly raised over their backs, being aggressive/showing dominance to it's flock mates. The males are more upright and alert/on guard, the Hens tend to hover closer to the ground. Also when sexually mature and close to laying or already laying the Hens develop a bustle, a raised area on their rump between where their wingtips rest... but by that point they are already buck-wheating non-stop, lol.

 

[turkeyschicken]

I will definitely be listening for the sound! I looked them up on YouTube! I also have another question. Can you put guineas in with turkeys and chickens? I have young two broad breasted bronze males and a young bantam rooster as well. I would like to put the guineas in the pen when they get older but didn't know if I could mix them all in one pen.?

 

[KrisH]

I will definitely be listening for the sound! I looked them up on YouTube! I also have another question. Can you put guineas in with turkeys and chickens? I have young two broad breasted bronze males and a young bantam rooster as well. I would like to put the guineas in the pen when they get older but didn't know if I could mix them all in one pen.?

our guineas are in with the chickens and have been ok. they end up on the top roosts at night because they will sleep on TOP of a chicken, so the chicken gets frustrated and moves, or at least has to sleep standing up wedged between guineas. chckens go to bed first, but overall guines rule.

if you want to learn about these crazy birds, read everything PEEPSCA has said. she is a GREAT resource.

RobertH