Raising Guinea Fowl 101

[Chrissybug911]

Well since I don't have any plans on getting any more keets, he or she will have to think he's a chicken lol. It was the first and only one this guy has hatched and we got talked into taking it home. I live in a residential neighborhood so hoping my neighbors don't hate me since I hear that they can be noisy.

 

[MeepBeep]

Well since I don't have any plans on getting any more keets, he or she will have to think he's a chicken lol

To be blunt, that is not healthy husbandry as it's against their nature, they are flock animals and thrive and really need to be around other Guineas in a social group...

 

[Raybon Farms]

I really liked the information that you gave us. These are my first 2 guineas and I am getting 2-4 more in a week. I am really enjoying them and they get along very well with my 6 baby chickens. In fact my baby chicks like to sit on their backs and rest. The guineas allow them to roost on their backs and have never tried to hurt them in anyway. I believe that mine are pearled but not sure if they are male or female. They haven't made too much noise and allow me to take them in and out of the small coop for cleaning. My husband has built me a much larger coop and they will all go in it tonight. They are still in the house and will be until they are old enough and big enough to go outside.

Thanks for the insight on those wonderful little birds. I am just hoping that I have at least a couple of hens out of the 6 that I will have. Is it easier to buy older guineas that you know are females?

Again Thank you,

Bonnie Frank

 

[Tikkijane]

Well since I don't have any plans on getting any more keets, he or she will have to think he's a chicken lol. It was the first and only one this guy has hatched and we got talked into taking it home. I live in a residential neighborhood so hoping my neighbors don't hate me since I hear that they can be noisy.

If noise is an issue, sorry to say, it WILL be problematic. Guineas are not just noisy- they are LOUD. LOUD, LOUD, LOUD. LOUD.

 

[Tikkijane]

I really liked the information that you gave us. These are my first 2 guineas and I am getting 2-4 more in a week. I am really enjoying them and they get along very well with my 6 baby chickens. In fact my baby chicks like to sit on their backs and rest. The guineas allow them to roost on their backs and have never tried to hurt them in anyway. I believe that mine are pearled but not sure if they are male or female. They haven't made too much noise and allow me to take them in and out of the small coop for cleaning. My husband has built me a much larger coop and they will all go in it tonight. They are still in the house and will be until they are old enough and big enough to go outside.

Thanks for the insight on those wonderful little birds. I am just hoping that I have at least a couple of hens out of the 6 that I will have. Is it easier to buy older guineas that you know are females?

Again Thank you,

Bonnie Frank

Bear in mind- guineas are seasonal layers and their eggs are small. You might be able to locate adults, but I would warn against it. Guineas can FLY, and adults are much more difficult to encourage to coop at night if you haven't raised them. They often travel and try to find their way back where they came from.

 

[duluthralphie]

Guineas are great in areas that do not allow roosters.

After hearing the guineas no neighbor would complain about a rooster again.

Turn the volume up to get the full effect..

Here they are resting in the coop. nice and calm...

 

[Tikkijane]

Guineas are great in areas that do not allow roosters. After hearing the guineas no neighbor would complain about a rooster again. Turn the volume up to get the full effect.. Here they are resting in the coop. nice and calm...

 

[perchie.girl]

Guineas are great in areas that do not allow roosters.

After hearing the guineas no neighbor would complain about a rooster again.

Turn the volume up to get the full effect..




Here they are resting in the coop. nice and calm...

this last video is a hoot.... I can hear the hen saying..... "Awwwkkk shut up ALREADY.....''' and the Turkey saying..... "SHES Right You Know...."

 

[Victoria-nola]

Question: I know I need to start the guineas on gamebird feed-- I am ordering some 28% protein, locally all I could get was 25%. What do I feed them as they grow larger?

I wrote a post about my incubation experience, but it hasn't had any responses and hardly any views. Here's the link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1117961/dry-incubation-guinea-eggs-a-cautionary-tale

I just wanted to share this information as I feel the "low humidity" method is questionable.

--V

 

[duluthralphie]

Question: I know I need to start the guineas on gamebird feed-- I am ordering some 28% protein, locally all I could get was 25%. What do I feed them as they grow larger?

I wrote a post about my incubation experience, but it hasn't had any responses and hardly any views. Here's the link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1117961/dry-incubation-guinea-eggs-a-cautionary-tale

I just wanted to share this information as I feel the "low humidity" method is questionable.

--V

To me that depends on the time of the year, In the winter to Summer when I let them out to free range I use Game bird Breeder it is around 28% protein. But I am firmly convinced they need the protein to give me good viable eggs. I think it works I set 82 eggs 23 days ago. I just moved 77 eggs into the hatcher, one is doubtful, I expect most the others will hatch.

During the summer and fall they get whatever they forage for. I have chicken feed available but it is the cheapest I can find when there are seeds and bugs I expect them to find their own food.


I keep my incubator at 50%. I keep my hatcher between 65-75% I do well at those high humidity's, some people think it is too much, but it works for me.