Taming Guinea Keets

[zooguinea]

Hello all, I am new to the site and have a few questions about taming guinea keets. I am a zookeeper and am currently hand raising 3 guinea fowl keets in order to make them more tame. We have another hand reared adult and he is very friendly, loves handling, and helps us get the "wild" adults into their stall for the night. We are trying to replicate this with the three keets. Things are going well so far, although one keet is 3 days older than the other 2, thus he is more difficult to handle. The others tolerate handling and all but one will take meal worms from my hand. The problem is, the three keets come home with me at night for handling and couch time, but are returned to a brooder at the zoo with a dozen other keets during the day. Does anyone have any suggestions for increasing their comfort with people when they have to spend their days with untamed keets? So far, mealworms are working well with them, but they do not have any interest in white millet. I appreciate any insight that can be provided!

 

[GitaBooks]

I've done research on guineas, though I don't personally keep any myself. Guineas are naturally flighty, even if tamed with a lot of care. I agree with one keeper who said that guineas do better if taught to forage, come when called, and allowed to perch on your shoulder or leg instead of if held or cuddled, as no bird naturally holds another bird. They like feeling free, playing and running around with their owner more than being held.

They also love treats! Start training young, teach them you mean food and they will love you for it. Teach them a special call, they are smart, they will learn you mean good things if you work with them. Play with them, give them natural perches and dirt to dig in and dust baths and just sit near htem and they should tame down well.

Guineas love bugs!!!

I hope this helps. Best of luck!