Raising Guinea Fowl 101

[TarheelBirdy]

Exactly how I was feeling last night. Guilty, depressed and crying. It definitely is so much easier to deal with if you know it wasn't connected to you.

I'm sorry

 

[kynewbchickie]

There you go.

Now THAT is awesomesauce.

 

[kynewbchickie]

Starling, so very sorry to hear about your losses.

I've still got all 5 of my pearls, they're in the coop in the introduction pen (caged area under the poo boards) so the whole flock can get acquainted. They'll be in there for about 4 more weeks...and they do NOT like it. I was changing the water earlier and giving them more protein builder in their feeder, and one got out...my head hen, an Aussie, was VERY quick to let it know she was the queen bee of the bunch which sent it flying on top of my head, LOL. I have a few scratches on my forehead, and got pooped on...but in the end, the guineas learned a valuable lesson: Don't get out until everyone is cool with you!

 

[mustangmolly]

Does anyone know where I can get guinea keets in the northern/ central Indiana area? I would rather have keets and not mess with hatching, if possible. Thanks!

 

[lizzybaxter]

I'm sorry about your guineas. I know what you mean, it's so hard when they die or are sick and it's probably your fault. Agh!! Definitely been there... at least you care though, you know? You'll research and learn and you'll do better, and then you'll help some new person in the future. Don't give up. Do lots of reading, and asking questions. You'll come up with some answers...

 

[starlingdaly]

Thanks everyone. Your kind words are very much appreciated.

Don't tell my friend, but... I told him only 3 of the 5 died. >.>
I went to the local feed store and bought two guinea most similar to the ones I hatched. Unfortunately they are hatchery keets so quality is not nearly as good as the ones he has. Hoping he won't notice.
I did tell him if he's got any extra keets this year I would love a royal purple or two. I had two in my original hatch and they looked so neat.

The only benefit to the hatchery keets is... One of them is actually kinda tame. It may be a friendly guinea yet.
I put them in my big brooder with a bunch of other chicks and my ecoglow. I think I will have to dub my quarantine cage the "death trap"

 

[starlingdaly]

Starling, so very sorry to hear about your losses.  

I've still got all 5 of my pearls, they're in the coop in the introduction pen (caged area under the poo boards) so the whole flock can get acquainted.  They'll be in there for about 4 more weeks...and they do NOT like it.  I was changing the water earlier and giving them more protein builder in their feeder, and one got out...my head hen, an Aussie, was VERY quick to let it know she was the queen bee of the bunch which sent it flying on top of my head, LOL.  I have a few scratches on my forehead, and got pooped on...but in the end, the guineas learned a valuable lesson:  Don't get out until everyone is cool with you!

Funny story. Especially the part where the guinea flew on your HEAD! Haha!

 

[Lynnette]

i have 5 guineas 8wks i dont think they r that loud idk mayb they get louder as they get older

 

[starlingdaly]

They are not louder than geese! Haha.
I love the animals' noises so I don't really notice guineas being any more loud than my chickens. Though I've never had adult guineas on my property yet, so.. We'll see!

 

[itsjustme]

i have 5 guineas 8wks i dont think they r that loud idk mayb they get louder as they get older

they will get louder lol when they are just out pecking around they are no louder than the chickens. Definitely not as loud as my peacocks which are just learning honks and idk what the other is it sounds like a sick cat sayn meew lol. My guineas are only loud when they are sounding the alarms. But anything can set them off. Strangers, predators or use to squirrels lol the cat is still terrified to come into the yard even though they no longer view her as a threat so she can pass without being screamed at and chased lol