Why do you keep Guinea? Questions.

[Egg Rookie 2010]

Well I like these birds and wish I could free range them. However one of my dogs killed my next door neighbors bird so I know I cant let them out. Too bad I know theyd be awesome bug and snake patrol. But Im building a second coop in the spring for more chickens and thought it would be cool to add 2 Guineas. Just cause. Is there any other reason to get these birds besides critter patrol? I think I could use the feathers in craft stuff. Any input?

 

[critters]

Guineas are great to alert you when someone or something different happens.....
ex: when someone drops by....dogs come into the yard....they let you know, and loudly....

their feathers can be used in jewelry, crafts or whatever....
I have seen their feathers in many jewelry pieces and on clothing as accents....

good luck!

oh! I've not ate any but have heard their eggs are great!
takes @ 2 guinea eggs to equal 1 chicken egg

 

[BreezeCrestChickens]

Their eggs are actually very good. Really not much difference between them and another chicken's (taste wise). I've free ranged mine before with no problems. We had one that took 2 foxes to take it down...they couldn't do it on their own. The breeder I get mine from has found coyotes dead in the coop before...they are a pretty protective creature at nighttime. I use them for bugs myself, but I like the look of having them around too

They're neat! And great doorbells! They'll squawk when something isn't right or had changed! I've never had any problems introducing them to the chickens. If they were free ranged I put them in the coop and leave them in with the chickens until after lunchtime the next day...but that's about it! Oh and I keep them in a cage for 2 weeks so they get accustomed to your property!

 

[kfacres]

Quote:

 

[PeepsCA]

Check out this recent thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=582786
There are lots of other threads here on this forum discussing the pros and cons of keeping/raising Guineas, you've just gotta find them, lol

 

[aoxa]

I find them so ugly.. :S I walked by them at the show with my hands over my ears. I am very sensitive to loud and abrasive noises. Must have looked a fool

 

[BreezeCrestChickens]

Quote:
Awee...but they're squawking is so calming and relaxing! Hahaha! I agree...it can be VERY abrasive at times...but I couldn't imagine the farm without them

 

[Egg Rookie 2010]

Well my nextdoor neighbor has them and the noise doesnt bother me at all. In fact when I hear them at night is when I know there is skunk or coyote etc messing around out there. The heads are kinda ugly but those beautiful feathers! Woah! But now she keeps them penned because they are always hanging around in my pasture and I have a dog who cant be trusted. They chase the smaller dog but cant out run my lab. So if I get them Id have to keep them penned too and wonder if that would be cruel for this type of bird. Such an interesting creature.

 

[BreezeCrestChickens]

Personally I free range mine, but I see others have them penned up too.

 

[PeepsCA]

Guineas thrive better if they can free range, at least during the day, (and then cooped/penned at night to keep the predators from getting them).
As far as bad/untrustworthy dogs go... they do make dog kennels you can put a dog in while the birds are out yano, lol.