should i get guineas?

[Amastacia]

i have a 3 acre yard (one acre fenced in), currently 8 hens (planning on getting up to 15 more) free ranged whenever possible, and a LOT of ticks (picked i think 8 off my dog so far this spring). i live out in the country (more or less), but i do have neighbors closer than i'd like.

we are considering getting 2 guineas. they would be housed with the hens and probably fed with them as well. does anyone see any flaws in this plan? if we get them, we will be ordering them with the chicks later this month, though they will probably be raised separately then housed back with them when big enough to go outside.

 

[Sundial]

The problem with only two guineas is that the dominant one will constantly pick on the other, which will be stressful for it. Plus, only two guineas might not earn their keep as well as a larger flock would so your best bet is to get a few more. I've never actually had guineas (I want some though!) and this is basically me just regurgitating what I've read on here, so maybe someone else could chip in?

 

[PhilH]

I have 5 acres & 9 Guineas. I had 5 Production Red chickens & the Guineas killed 2 of the chickens.

Turns out I have 6 Guinea hens & 3 Roosters.

I would have at least 10 Guineas so they will leave your chickens alone. I just hatched 19 Guinea Keets.. I hope that will grow my flock big enough so they will leave the chickens alone..

Hope that helps..

Phil

 

[PeepsCA]

X2, both replies.

Guineas are flock birds, they need plenty of their own kind to be happy/content. 10 or more Guineas seem to work out best.

I have 90+ adult Guineas, divided into individual breeding flocks that have their own free range areas, but only 11 of them free range during the day with my chickens (which are ALL Silkies). I have no aggression issues as is, but I'm sure I would if I cooped/penned them together.