When and how to split a group?

[Tomandalaina]

I currently have 12 keets around 7 weeks old. I planned to split the group and give 6 to my aunt. She currently has 3 grown, but does not lock them up at night. (They typically roost in her horse barn.) I’m curious when I should split the group? I want to make sure they’re old enough to be a little self sufficient outside, but I also don’t want to wait too long and then have everyone calling for their mates after I split them.
What’s a good age to do this? I haven’t noticed any of them splitting into groups yet. They all still stay in one big group in the coop. I have not let any of them out yet.

 

[R2elk]

I currently have 12 keets around 7 weeks old. I planned to split the group and give 6 to my aunt. She currently has 3 grown, but does not lock them up at night. (They typically roost in her horse barn.) I’m curious when I should split the group? I want to make sure they’re old enough to be a little self sufficient outside, but I also don’t want to wait too long and then have everyone calling for their mates after I split them.
What’s a good age to do this? I haven’t noticed any of them splitting into groups yet. They all still stay in one big group in the coop. I have not let any of them out yet.

You can separate them at any age. It all depends on when your aunt is ready for them. The younger they are the better they will adapt to her place but she will have to do a proper lock in for long enough to get them to understand that it is now home. It will also require time for her guineas to accept them.

 

[EarlJ]

Would having adults who understand "home" help the young ones learn it faster? Or does everyone have to have it ingrained individually?

 

[R2elk]

Would having adults who understand "home" help the young ones learn it faster? Or does everyone have to have it ingrained individually?

It can help if the adults accept the youngsters into their flock. It can make it worse if the adults don't accept them and keep trying to run them off.