Thinking of adding 2 Guineas???

[fuzzy8]

So I'm getting 4 ducks and 3 chickens may 18th. A friend of mine is trying to talk me into 3 Guinea hens. My run is going to be 20x20 completely fenced in. My coop is 6x7 x 6 heigh. I have a perch in it for the chickens. And 2 12x12 roost boxes on the wall. Will the work for Guinea hens? Do I have enough room? What to expect or know. I'm new to this

 

[R2elk]

So I'm getting 4 ducks and 3 chickens may 18th. A friend of mine is trying to talk me into 3 Guinea hens. My run is going to be 20x20 completely fenced in. My coop is 6x7 x 6 height. I have a perch in it for the chickens. And 2 12x12 roost boxes on the wall. Will the work for Guinea hens? Do I have enough room? What to expect or know. I'm new to this

Guineas are a flock bird and have a different behavior than any other poultry. I recommend a minimum of 10 guineas to keep the guineas happy. I would not recommend any guineas in your situation. If you are serious about having guineas, I recommend that you read the Raising Guinea Fowl 101 thread. Pay particular attention to posts mad by @PeepsCA

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/312682/raising-guinea-fowl-101

Good luck.

 

[fuzzy8]

Ok thank you. I think I'm going to pass on them

 

[Mysterious]

I wouldn't pass. They are cute and great. I would just research them, the keets are doing well with are little baby pheasants. If you start them off as keets or eggs they'll be more friendly to your ducks and chickens. I've heard that you can raise the keets from a chicken to help with the behavior.

 

[fuzzy8]

So if I ordered 1 or 2 As baby's and raised them with my ducks and chickens that would be a few weeks older you think they would do well?

 

[Mysterious]

Probably I'm raising 4 of them with 2 pheasants. They were expensive though. Mine get along perfect with them so far

 

[R2elk]

Probably I'm raising 4 of them with 2 pheasants. They were expensive though. Mine get along perfect with them so far

It is normal for keets to get along fine with other poultry such as chicks and poults. Ducklings and other waterfowl can be a problem for the keets because the keets need to be kept dry.

The first breeding season is when all the problems develop. The guineas have a completely different set of mannerisms than do any other type of poultry and it shows up with a vengeance during breeding season.

 

[fuzzy8]

I'm still undecided if I should add them yet with my ducks and chickens

 

[Mysterious]

Most people raise them and if they dont like them they just sell them or eat them. Ask the feed store about them and see what their opinion is then decide. They are great little guys.

 

[Mysterious]

Just raise them and then when your waterfowl start getting into water separate them but still let out together sometimes.