Older Guineas Protecting Younger Ones?

[swampducks]

I've started integrating my 6 week old guineas and chickens in with my 15 week old birds. Last night was the first night they slept in the coop outside of the cage I've used to keep them separated.

This morning, one of the younger guineas ventured out into the run with the 4 big chickens and 2 big guineas. One of the cockerels made a run at him and then a guinea followed quickly. I thought it was about to be a joint attack of the little bird but instead the big guinea chased the chicken away and then they both left the small guinea alone to do his thing. The chicken went and stood in the far corner of the run for a very long time.

Is this a freak occurrence or has anyone seen this before?

 

[Jenski]

Don't know if that's just a freak occurrence or not, but you're brave ~ I would be afraid to put 6-weekers in with 15-weekers. Please keep us posted on how this works out.

 

[feathersgalore]

I agree. I never try to mix my guineas until they are at least 12 weeks old.

 

[swampducks]

I'm keeping a close eye. It probably doesn't hurt that the big guys are out numbered. So far tonight everyone is sleeping peacefully in the coop.

 

[HaleMoa]

so hows everyone doing in the coop?

we're considering the possibility of housing adult guineas in a run/coop with our 6 week chicks. the chicks were there first. probably not a good idea huh?? no real other options yet though until we get their own coop built.

anyway, let us know how things are going with your mixed flock.