Jake Harper
Guinea fowl are a great addition to any flock, but they have some unique characteristics that you should be aware of before introducing them to your chickens. They are native to Africa and are very susceptible to dampness during the first two weeks after hatching, so it is important to keep them dry. They are also very loud and active, and they like to free-range. In their native land, they run wild and have resisted domestication, so they are incredibly hardy and disease-resistant. They can be kept with chickens, but it may take some adjustments. One method is to keep the new guinea fowl in a separate coop or compartment that is within sight of the original flock for a few weeks, so they get used to each other before they are introduced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of guinea fowls | Minimum of 3, not more than 30 birds per acre |
| Grouping | 6-8 guineas, limit to one male |
| Housing with other birds | Do not keep with roosters. Can be kept with chickens if raised together |
| Shelter | Required to protect from high winds, rain, cold, sun, and predators |
| Space | 2 to 3 sq. ft. per guinea |
| Food | 0.25 – 0.5 lbs of food per day. Feed a commercial poultry diet with high protein if not allowed to forage |
| Temperature | Start at 95°F for the first two weeks after hatching and then lower by 5°F per week |
| Noise | Very loud |
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What You'll Learn
Quarantine the chicks for 2-4 weeks
When introducing guinea fowl chicks to the flock, it is important to quarantine the chicks for 2-4 weeks. This is a critical step to ensure the health and safety of your flock, as it helps to prevent the spread of any potential diseases or bacteria infections that the new chicks may have picked up from their previous environment. Guinea fowls are generally hardy and disease-free, but they can still carry and transmit illnesses to other birds in close quarters.
During the quarantine period, the chicks should be kept in a separate pen or coop, away from the main flock. This isolation allows them to acclimate to their new surroundings without the stress of immediate social interaction with the existing flock. It also gives you an opportunity to monitor their health closely and ensure they are feeding well and adapting to their new environment.
The quarantine period is also beneficial in that it allows you to slowly introduce the new chicks to the flock gradually. Once the quarantine period is over, you can start by allowing the new chicks to share some space with the existing flock, but keep them separated by a wire fence or netting. This way, the two groups can see and interact with each other without direct physical contact, which can help to reduce territorial behaviour and aggression.
It is important to provide the quarantined chicks with their own separate food and water sources to prevent the spread of any potential diseases. Ensure that their living quarters are clean and dry, as guinea fowls are susceptible to dampness, especially during the first two weeks after hatching. Additionally, maintain a warm temperature of around 95°F for the first two weeks, gradually lowering it by 5°F each week thereafter.
By following these steps and quarantining the guinea fowl chicks for 2-4 weeks, you can help ensure a smooth and safe transition as they join the rest of the flock.
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Keep them in a separate coop
When introducing guinea fowl chicks to the flock, it is important to keep them in a separate coop for several reasons. Firstly, guinea fowls are very susceptible to dampness during the first two weeks after hatching, and the moisture they encounter when following their mother through dewy grass can be deadly. Keeping them in a separate coop allows you to control their environment and protect them from potentially harmful conditions.
Secondly, guinea fowls are known to be territorial and can be bullies with other poultry, relentlessly pursuing victims and keeping them away from food. Introducing them gradually to the flock through a separate coop setup can help reduce territorial behaviours and the perils of the pecking order. This method is especially useful if you are introducing adult guinea fowls to an existing flock, as they may need time to adjust and get used to their new surroundings without the pressure of interacting with the other birds right away.
Additionally, keeping guinea fowl chicks in a separate coop initially can help prevent the spread of avian diseases. By quarantining them for a period, you can ensure that they are healthy and disease-free before introducing them to the rest of the flock. This practice is essential in maintaining the overall health and safety of your birds.
Finally, guinea fowls are active and retain some of their wild behaviours, making them more challenging to tame than chickens. By keeping them in a separate coop, you can provide them with the space they need and environment they need to feel secure and establish their pecking order before introducing them to the rest of the flock. This gradual introduction can help reduce stress and improve the chances of a peaceful integration.
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Ensure they have a high-protein feed
When introducing guinea fowl chicks to the flock, it is important to ensure they are provided with a high-protein feed. Guinea fowl chicks, also known as keets, require a diet with a higher protein content than chickens.
Keets should be fed a starter feed with a protein content of 24% to 26% for the first four to eight weeks. After this initial period, the protein level can be reduced to 18% to 20% for the next four weeks. From the ninth week onwards, keets can be fed a maintenance diet with a protein content of around 16%. It is important to ensure that the feed is unmedicated and in the form of mash or crumbles, as pelleted feed is not recommended for guineas.
If you are unable to source feed with the appropriate protein levels, you can mix a higher protein feed with a laying-hen mash to achieve the desired protein content. Additionally, it is important to provide supplemental greens, such as leafy alfalfa, which guinea fowl will enjoy pecking at. Any leftover food should be removed daily to prevent mould from forming.
Guinea fowl are native to Africa and are susceptible to dampness during the first two weeks after hatching, so it is important to keep them warm and dry. They can be raised in brooder houses with temperatures starting at 95°F for the first two weeks, gradually lowered by 5°F each week. Infrared lamps can provide a convenient source of heat, but care must be taken to secure them properly to avoid fire hazards.
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Introduce them to the flock at night
When introducing guinea fowl chicks to the flock, it is important to first ensure that they are fully feathered and have been quarantined for at least two weeks. During this time, the chicks should be kept in a pen or a small coop with a run attached, where they can be observed by the existing flock and vice versa. This allows the new chicks to get used to their new environment and reduces the stress of meeting new flock mates.
Once the quarantine period is over, it is time to introduce the guinea fowl chicks to the flock. One recommended approach is to introduce them at night, after dark, so that the existing flock wakes up to the new members. This can help to reduce any potential territorial behaviour or pecking order issues, as the birds will have already settled in for the night and will be less likely to display aggressive behaviour.
Introducing guinea fowl chicks at night can be a smooth process if the new chicks are placed in the coop quietly and without causing disturbance to the existing flock. It is important to ensure that the coop is spacious enough to accommodate all the birds comfortably, providing at least 2 to 3 square feet of space per guinea fowl. This will help to prevent stress and territorial issues.
Additionally, when introducing guinea fowl chicks to the flock, it is advisable to keep the group size in mind. In nature, guinea fowls flock together in groups of around 30, and it is recommended to have a minimum of 3 guinea fowls and not more than 30 birds per acre. Keeping the group size within this range can help reduce stress and territorial behaviour among the birds.
By following these steps and introducing the guinea fowl chicks to the flock at night, you can help facilitate a smooth transition and reduce potential conflicts within the flock. It is important to remember that each flock is unique, and adjustments may be needed depending on the dynamics of your birds.
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Keep the flock small with one male
If you're looking to introduce guinea fowl chicks to a flock, it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure the process goes smoothly. One key consideration is to keep the flock small with only one male. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you with the introduction process:
Housing and Flock Size
Guinea fowl are social birds that naturally flock together in groups of around 30 in the wild. When kept in captivity, it's recommended to have at least three guinea fowls to ensure they feel safe and secure. However, if you're keeping them in a confined space, it's best to keep the group small, ideally with no more than 6-8 guineas, including only one male. This is important because guinea fowl can be territorial, and having too many males in a small space may lead to aggression.
Quarantine and Introduction
Before introducing new guinea fowl chicks to the flock, it's advisable to quarantine them first. Set up a separate pen or coop for the chicks, ensuring they have adequate space to move around. Keep the chicks in this quarantine area for at least two to four weeks. During this time, the chicks will get used to their new environment without the stress of interacting with the adult birds.
Gradual Introduction
After the quarantine period, you can start gradually introducing the chicks to the flock. Place the chicks in a pen or coop adjacent to the adult birds, allowing them to see and interact with each other through a wire fence or netting. This way, they can get accustomed to each other's presence without direct physical contact. You may notice some pecking between the birds, but this is normal as they establish their pecking order.
Final Integration
Once the chicks and adult birds seem comfortable with each other, you can carefully introduce them to each other in the same enclosure. It's best to do this at night after dark, as birds are less active and more likely to accept new flock members without conflict. When they wake up together, they will be more likely to accept each other as part of the same flock.
Feeding and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial for the health and development of guinea fowl chicks. During their first eight weeks, keets require a high-protein diet, starting with a 24% to 26% protein ration and gradually reducing to 16% after eight weeks. Ensure you provide supplemental greens, such as leafy alfalfa, and always remove any leftover food daily to prevent mould issues.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully introduce guinea fowl chicks to your flock while keeping the group small with only one male. Remember to always provide adequate shelter, food, and space to ensure the well-being of your guinea fowl.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep the keets in a pen once they are fully feathered, but do not let them join the flock yet. Keep them in the pen for two to four weeks. After this period, introduce them to the flock at night, after dark.
In nature, guineas flock together in groups of around 30. It is recommended to have a minimum of three guinea fowls and not more than 30 birds per acre. Keep the group small, with six to eight guineas, and limit to one male if they are confined.
Yes, it is becoming more common to raise guinea fowls with chickens. However, they are very different birds, and adjustments will be needed. If you keep male guineas with roosters full-time, the guineas will chase the roosters, keeping them from food and water. Guineas and roosters can be kept in the same barn if they are only locked up at night and free-range during the day.
