What to do with all these babies??

[Enders Farms]

We have two guinea nests that we know of. One nest holds about 20 eggs and the other has 41. Today I found that one of the nests hatched. It was the one with 20+ eggs and there are at least 20 babies trailing around with mom. They are so cute!! I am a little concerned that it may be too many and wonder if I shouldn't take some and put them in a brooder. We only have 5 adults. These are free rangers and roost on top of the chicken run. Any advice???

 

[cracking up]

I would try to sneak at least half away from her. If she's in a real secure area and is going to take good care of them that might be the exception. Mine flew up on the roost last night and left her day old keets on the ground. They were in a ball in the corner trying to keep warm. I took them away and put them in the brooder. That's the first time I've had one really abandon them, usually they just lose them a few at a time.

 

[racuda]

My Guinea hen lost one at a time until they were ALL GONE! I've never lost even one keet that a chicken momma raised.

 

[Enders Farms]

I think I will fire up the brooder and take at least 75% of them. I have lots of neighbors that would buy them!!

 

[cracking up]

I think that's a great idea especially if you know people that want them. Just make sure they're warm enough.

 

[bald k9]

WOW do they really hatch that many at a time, that is alot ,I am getting 4 of them 1 lavender 1pearl 1 royal 1white ,what will i do if these breed and i get mixed breed keets? I cant sell these can I?

 

[cracking up]

I think you might be able to sell them for more if they are pure colors but really most people don't seem to really care. I get a lot of people who want pearl because they seem to be able to hide from predators better. Some people have said they are bigger and stronger but mine all look the same size. It takes a lot of work to keep them separate for breeding.