Wanted: Guinea Hens in VA

[gumpsgirl]

So do I not want to get guineas to protect my chickens? I was just going by what someone locally told me that they do to protect their chickens.

 

[MissPrissy]

I wouldn't say they protect the chickens. The least bit of disturbance and they start to scream which alerts the chickens something is going on. My guineas free range and when I go out to the barn the guineas run ahead and stand in front the coop as if to say "She is coming!!"

The tiniest change in their environment and it sets them off screaming. A distant barking dog. A loud car. A cat passing through. The tiniest things set them off which alerts more than the chickens that something is going on.

The do eat ticks and bugs and such. They will eat a snake. they are good at policing the area. I do not buy feed for them. they must forage for most of their food. I put out a small ration of feed by the barn every evening so they know this is home. They are very good at insect control.

If you are looking specifically for something to keep away snakes I don't know if guineas are the answer. I don't think they would attack and kill a full size snake routinely but by their presence they may prevent some critters from wandering/slithering up.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
Them eating the ticks would just be worth it alone. I hate the ticks and we always seem to have way to many around here.

What about housing them? Do you put them up at night or do they just roost in the trees?

 

[MissPrissy]

They had a coop but they decided they prefer to roost with the goats.

 

[@migocontodos~]

Quote:
They'll stand guard, in fact, they'll will stand there and watch while the snake eats anything it wants.
Once they become accustomed to something then to them it's normal and they will be about as good for a guard as a blind man.
I've raised guineas off and on all my life since I was 12.
The last ones I had, I killed 4 snakes and then only reason I killed them was I happened to walk up on them while they were heading toward my coop.
Personally, if the snake is of any size they do not attack it. In fact, they are similar to chickens, if they can consume it, they'll go after it.

I really do not believe they deter snakes in any fashion. BUT..they are funny to watch and GREAT insect eaters and their eggs are tasty!
And..noisey is an UNderstatement. Just ask my city slicker wife lol
Enjoy them!

 

[AussieSharon]

Mergmet ( Margaret ) has guineas. www.endlessfarm.net

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
Thanks!

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
I agree with starting with Keets, but if you do get older ones, the females do both sounds, but males only do one(the machine gun thing).

 

[FLOWERPOT]

If I got some of them do you think they would hang out at my neighbors bee hives? I hope not, That would not be good

 

[speckledhen]

They very possibly would hang out at the beehives and snap them up. Depends on how close your neighbors are, I suppose.