Raising Guinea Fowl 101

[duluthralphie]

I lock mine up in January in a large covered run with an attached coop. They go into it fine when they have no choice, but as soon as I let them free range they move into the chicken coop.

I know I like to make fun of them, but you have to admit they are weird little birds. Each year I think of getting rid of them, but I just enjoy their antics so much. The make chickens seem refined and genteel. I did not sell as many as I had expected this year so I am over run with them. I might actually send some to Freezer Camp.

I only need about 15 in the spring for eggs, the rest are disposable. Right now I have around 100 or so. If have commit suicide on the road or playing "chicken" with owls I still have 50 to eat!

 

[Tikkijane]

Mine go in the chicken coop every night like clockwork.  Never a problem getting them in there. Now if they only went in their coop instead.

I stopped fighting with them and let them live where they want now..

The only time I have an issue is spring time, when they go house hunting.....

 

[duluthralphie]

The only time I have an issue is spring time, when they go house hunting.....

That is why I keep them locked up until I get all the eggs I need for the year. After that they can house hunt.

 

[Victoria-nola]

I lock mine up in January in a large covered run with an attached coop. They go into it fine when they have no choice, but as soon as I let them free range they move into the chicken coop.

I know I like to make fun of them, but you have to admit they are weird little birds. Each year I think of getting rid of them, but I just enjoy their antics so much. The make chickens seem refined and genteel. I did not sell as many as I had expected this year so I am over run with them. I might actually send some to Freezer Camp.

I only need about 15 in the spring for eggs, the rest are disposable. Right now I have around 100 or so. If have commit suicide on the road or playing "chicken" with owls I still have 50 to eat!

Gosh, the dilemma of the farmer-- how much to produce, is there a market, and what to do with unsold surpluses.

I set out the (red) light for them last night, their first in the new place, and even the last 3 that had stayed on the floor flew up to roost last night. So everyone was up high.

This morning I got out to the coop early enough to see them start to explore their new coop for the first time. Oh so much fun. It took them very little time to find the very highest perches, the cross-ties that support the upper section. This evening, they all roosted up on the cross-ties. I'm so happy!

--V

 

[Wyatt0224]

Hello everyone! I got my first flock of chickens this spring and next spring I'm looking into getting 1-2 Guineas. Will they get along OK with my chcikens? As of now I have 2 roosters and 10 hens. They would be allowed to free range if that's helps.

 

[duluthralphie]

Hello everyone! I got my first flock of chickens this spring and next spring I'm looking into getting 1-2 Guineas. Will they get along OK with my chcikens? As of now I have 2 roosters and 10 hens. They would be allowed to free range if that's helps.

Start with a dozen. 1-2 is never enough.....

They will get alone fine. If you have a broody chicken put guinea eggs under her and let her hatch and raise them. A chicken raised Guinea has a 72% better chance of staying out of prison than one raised by a human.


Which brings up another point, At what age to you allow your guineas to start playing with knifes and guns?


My chicken raised guineas have found they can sit on top of the guinea's, I raised, cage/pen. They sit there and hurl insults at the caged ones then go on their way. I am thinking they could become reprobates.

 

[guineapeeps]

Quote:
I agree with DR that 1 to 2 is not enough. I would say bare minimum amount of guineas for a flock would be 4, but more is preferable as they seem to do better in a larger flock. I have had as few as 4 and as many as 30 but I prefer to keep somewhere between 10 to 12, that way there are enough for effective bug control but not so many that I am overrun and go broke feeding them in the winter. (Although I commend DR and his bravery for being able to manage 100 guineas!)

 

[guineapeeps]

Quote:
Glad to hear that the move went well and that they are enjoying their new home!

 

[Tikkijane]

That is why I keep them locked up until I get all the eggs I need for the year. After that they can house hunt.

I'm not a breeder, so I'm good either way. Last year, I split the difference- kept them in for most of the day; a few hours out. Mine was a fox issue across the street, though....

 

[Tikkijane]

Start with a dozen.  1-2 is never enough.....

They will get alone fine. If you have a broody chicken put guinea eggs under her and let her hatch and raise them. A chicken raised Guinea has a 72% better chance of staying out of prison than one raised by a human.


Which brings up another point, At  what age to you allow your guineas to start playing with knifes and guns?


My chicken raised guineas have found they can sit on top of the guinea's, I raised, cage/pen. They sit there and hurl insults at the caged ones then go on their way.  I am thinking they could become reprobates.

Agreed. I'd suggest starting with no fewer than 7-10. All my birds get along. My 2 older drakes can be aholes, though. I'd never risk just 2 guineas. They need their own gang.