new to the guineas

[australorpchick]

I just bought 6 guineas this past weekend. They're around 12 weeks old. We hope to hatch a few more, in a different color, when eggs are obtainable. They're currently quarantined in the garage that has the coop on the other side of the wall, so they can hear the chickens. It got down to the low 20's yesterday morning, so we have the heat lamp on for them. It's in the 50's and 60's during the day. Should we still leave the lamp on for them?

 

[robin416]

I've never had keets that young during this time of year. All I can suggest is listen to what they are telling you. If they seem content and not stressed then the day time temps are fine.

 

[australorpchick]

Okay thanks! We have a large travel kennel connected to a xl wire kennel, so they can move back and forth depending on their temperature needs.

 

[BirchHatchery]

un thinkin of getting 10-15 older guineas that were just hatched this past july and keeping them penned up untile spring think this will work?

 

[robin416]

Of course it will work. You do not need to keep them up longer than a couple of months for them to learn where home is. Do you have an outside pen for them so they can at least get out on nice days?

And whatever you do, don't let them out when snow is on the ground.

 

[BirchHatchery]

i got a 8x8 pen with a 6x8 run

 

[BirchHatchery]

our ground is all snow coverd why do you say dont let them out? leads to my next question is do i have to do anythang diffrent for them in cold tempratures highs 15 low 0 at night any thing diffrent that what i do for my chickens?

 

[robin416]

No you really don't have to do much different during the Winter than you would for the chickens.

Guineas hate snow. Don't want to touch it at all and to avoid it they will take to the trees. During extremely cold nights that is not what you want to have happen.

My outside pen is covered in wire. I can open their coop so they can choose to come out or not. If there is a blanket of snow the choice is usually not.

 

[BirchHatchery]

sounds good to me like i said i probly wont let them run untile spring is a 8x8 pen with perch and 6x8 run big enuuf for 15?

 

[robin416]

Keep that door open during the day to their outside pen, an 8X8 coop is a bit tight keeping that many almost grown Guineas in 24/7. Provide hiding places. Guineas have a very focused hierarchy and remind the low birds of it constantly. You might even have to have an extra feeder or two to make sure all get to eat. Provide multiple roosting places as high up as possible.