New to Guineas

[madamwlf]

So my husband says we need to go to the feed store to pick up some stuff. Bad idea!

They had Guinea Keets! And I know my husband has been talking about Guineas so we got 5. I have tons of researching to do and I have tons of questions. Who better to ask then you great folks.

So, here goes. Is it possible to keep Guineas on 1 acre of land?? That's what we have. Will they stay in a fence if we put one up? How much coop space does a Guinea need? The 5 we got are straight run so I'm hoping for at least 2 hens. I would like to keep just a trio. I plan to set up a coop at the back of our yard for them and maybe fence in that part if they will stay in it.

Is there any other info I may need?? Thanks guys!!!!

Looking forward to my next adventure!

 

[ruby]

I love my guineas...but they smell worse than chickens.... but they are trainable, they will come in at night. Mine were banished from the inside of the coop, they harassed the hens. But they stay in my yard. If I do it over again I will build a better night house for them.

 

[melroseladi]

And just when you think you have them trained to come into a coop or run to roost, they take to the trees.

 

[cracking up]

Five should be easier than three. You'll probably end up with less than five anyway. What color did you get? My white ones HAVE to be in the coop at night or they are dinner for critters - mostly bobcats. The pearls can hide better and at least have a chance.

I think an acre is good. If they get spooked for some reason they'll fly over but mine don't do it too often on the side with just the fence. If you have a building near the fence they get on the roof and fly over, then they run back and forth yelling for hours - they almost never fly back by their self.

The size of the coop isn't too critical if you're going to let them out all day. They do want a high roost but don't mind sitting next to each other on it.

 

[Katy]

Mine roost in the trees year round and roam over a much larger area than an acre. They can fly over any fence they want to.

 

[madamwlf]

I am assuming they are just standard color since.they are Hatchery stock. I do plan to talk to the neighbor and let them k.ow. I will let them out during the day once.they get use to their coop.

 

[cracking up]

Katy - do they fly back? Mine usually just stick together on our side of the fence but I have had as many as six follow one over.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Mine are totally free range once they get big enough to turn loose so they really have nothing to fly back into. I just meant they're capable of flying out of any fenced area. Mine roost in the tops of the elm trees around our house......large 60+ year old trees so a fence doesn't stop them if they choose to go over it. I live on a large farm and have no nearby neighbors and they roam a long way from the farm yard.

 

[babylady4]

I would like to get some for my in-laws (the tick population has EXPLODED since the chickens died off...) but mu MIL is worried about them tearing up and eating her 1/2 acre garden.

Is there a way to sort of 'keep' them on your property??? my I-L live on 120 acres, but the house is close to the road and they do have a neighbor across the street a bit of the way up a hill, and they have a highway about 2 acres from their house......

Any info would be greatly appreciated!