Releasing Guinea Fowl

[sugarbeard]

Hi All,

I live in Eastern Massachusetts. I am raising 100 guinea fowl with the intention of releasing them on my property (which happens to be an island) to help control the tick problem here. I have read a lot about predator pressure and general free ranging care, but just wondering if anyone has advice before I move ahead. The birds will be 8 weeks when they are released. I have been raising them in a barn and they seem to be very healthy. The property is an island with limited predators (there may be one coyote). My hope is that the birds will thrive in this environment - plenty to forage and plenty of space to range.

I realize that come winter there will be less natural feed available at which point I will start putting feed out on a regular basis. There is always the barn if they need shelter.

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks

 

[sugarbeard]

Also as a side note - I have been raising animals for the past 5 years in different parts of the country. I am very well educated and experienced in the care and raising of all kinds of poultry. This is just my first attempt at guineas. Thanks!

 

[R2elk]

Hi All,

I live in Eastern Massachusetts. I am raising 100 guinea fowl with the intention of releasing them on my property (which happens to be an island) to help control the tick problem here. I have read a lot about predator pressure and general free ranging care, but just wondering if anyone has advice before I move ahead. The birds will be 8 weeks when they are released. I have been raising them in a barn and they seem to be very healthy. The property is an island with limited predators (there may be one coyote). My hope is that the birds will thrive in this environment - plenty to forage and plenty of space to range.

I realize that come winter there will be less natural feed available at which point I will start putting feed out on a regular basis. There is always the barn if they need shelter.

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks

Just me personally, but I would not release guinea keets at 8 weeks old. I would wait until they are at least 3 or 4 months old.