When can Keets be moved?

[Unicornlife3316]

I purchased my first 4 Keets on March 24, they were born on March 18.

They have been kept in a cage under heat lamp at correct temps since purchasing. They’re very tame, they eat treats (meal worms) from my hand and sit in my lap to do this. They’ve been allowed to run around on the screened back porch searching for any and all bugs they can find. I’ve built a coop, with perches and space for a heat lamp if necessary, in a large dog pen that we didn’t use. I’ve used chicken wire to cover the top so nothing flies in and they can’t fly out. They’ve been fed 26% protein starter since day one and have done exceptionally well.

My question is, when can they move to this outside coop? I live in central Texas (College Station), so we are kind of in our rainy season, but it’s warming up. They can stay inside longer but they are getting SO big and I’m afraid they’ll injure themselves now that they’re trying to fly around their cage.

Any advice is appreciated!

Picture of them playing in the garden two weeks ago!

 

[red horse ranch]

It sounds like they are old enough to be in their new home. My keets are usually fully feathered by 5 weeks and in your climate they are probably old enough to be without heat. However, having a small heat light in their new coop will make the transition easier for them and also make it easier to get them in the coop at night. After a week or so it probably wont be needed.

 

[Unicornlife3316]

It sounds like they are old enough to be in their new home. My keets are usually fully feathered by 5 weeks and in your climate they are probably old enough to be without heat. However, having a small heat light in their new coop will make the transition easier for them and also make it easier to get them in the coop at night. After a week or so it probably wont be needed.

Thanks so much for the info. There doing really well I just know the cold isn’t good for them. I have a heat lamp that can go right in the coop and won’t be an issue.

Maybe I’m just nervous putting them outside LMAO

 

[red horse ranch]

It sounds like you have a good set up for them. I always get a little nervous when I'm moving juveniles around because in my mind they are still babies.
They will be fine and they will love being outdoors.

 

[Unicornlife3316]

It sounds like you have a good set up for them. I always get a little nervous when I'm moving juveniles around because in my mind they are still babies.
They will be fine and they will love being outdoors.

They have REALLY enjoyed being outside today. I set their heat lamp up and at last check, they were all hanging out in the door of their coop, so I guess they like it!!

Will let y’all know how they did in the AM!

 

[Unicornlife3316]

OK well... I just brought everyone back inside. Went to check on them again, the were huddle UNDER the coop, which in itself isn’t a problem, still getting some heat from the heat lamp BUT I noticed they ALL had feathers missing from the backs of their necks!?!?

I’m going to check the edges of the coop tomorrow and see if there’s a rough spot they’re rubbing against? Or did they get stressed and start pecking each other!? Nothing could have gotten to them, they’ve all been raised together and never separated.

Any ideas would be GREAT!

 

[chonsey]

I'm in Michigan, I used the heating pad setup, but once they got feathered enough they stopped using it and cuddle around my male guinea. He loves them. He's real old and gentle. So I put the heat light on at night.

 

[red horse ranch]

OK well... I just brought everyone back inside. Went to check on them again, the were huddle UNDER the coop, which in itself isn’t a problem, still getting some heat from the heat lamp BUT I noticed they ALL had feathers missing from the backs of their necks!?!?

I’m going to check the edges of the coop tomorrow and see if there’s a rough spot they’re rubbing against? Or did they get stressed and start pecking each other!? Nothing could have gotten to them, they’ve all been raised together and never separated.

Any ideas would be GREAT!

I've brought mine back in too when things didn't go right. So don't feel bad. Try again tomorrow but shut them inside the coop before it gets dark. They don't know where they are supposed to sleep yet and they were probably waiting outside for you to put them to bed. I usually shut my young ones up an hour or even two before it gets dark. I often give them a treat inside to make them glad to go in. They need to spend time in the coop to learn that it is their safe place to be. It's not uncommon for them to peep loudly at first when you shut them in because this is all so strange and new. But they do adjust quickly. Keep us posted on how it's going.

I don't really think the little ones were pecking each other. I rarely ever see that in young guineas. It's possible they were rubbing against something....

 

[Unicornlife3316]

I've brought mine back in too when things didn't go right. So don't feel bad. Try again tomorrow but shut them inside the coop before it gets dark. They don't know where they are supposed to sleep yet and they were probably waiting outside for you to put them to bed. I usually shut my young ones up an hour or even two before it gets dark. I often give them a treat inside to make them glad to go in. They need to spend time in the coop to learn that it is their safe place to be. It's not uncommon for them to peep loudly at first when you shut them in because this is all so strange and new. But they do adjust quickly. Keep us posted on how it's going.

I don't really think the little ones were pecking each other. I rarely ever see that in young guineas. It's possible they were rubbing against something....

Ok that’s a good idea to shut them inside the coop.. I’m going to take them out again in the morning and let them run around in the pen during the day and then like you said, lock them in the coop. They’re sleeping away in their cage in the bedroom now, they had NO issue going right in when I called for them LOL they LOVE their meal worms so I’ll pick some more up tomorrow to coax them in to the coop for the night.

I’ll check everywhere tomorrow and see what I can find. Poor babies. I feel so guilty!!

 

[chonsey]

Ok that’s a good idea to shut them inside the coop.. I’m going to take them out again in the morning and let them run around in the pen during the day and then like you said, lock them in the coop. They’re sleeping away in their cage in the bedroom now, they had NO issue going right in when I called for them LOL they LOVE their meal worms so I’ll pick some more up tomorrow to coax them in to the coop for the night.

I’ll check everywhere tomorrow and see what I can find. Poor babies. I feel so guilty!!

They probably sense that! Also, make sure a predator - opossum, etc isn't making it's rounds. They will sound the alarm if something scares them. I had a opossum scaring mine, looking in the window and trying to see if she could open it.