Raising Guinea Fowl - Ask Extension
1. I would like to raise some Guinea Fowl this year to cut down on ticks and other bugs. I see that the local feed store has Keets already in stock. W...
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Raising Guinea Fowl #737754
Asked March 05, 2021, 10:37 PM EST
1. I would like to raise some Guinea Fowl this year to cut down on ticks and other bugs. I see that the local feed store has Keets already in stock. When can keets be kept in an outside pen (with heat). I could get them now and keep them in my heated shop until you think they can go out. How much space do the Keets require ?
2. I was thinking of starting with 5, hopefully at least 1 male. Do you think that a specific number of Keets would be better to start with?
3 Do you have any plans for a pen that the Guinea Fowl can have secure shelter. I live in the middle of Tioga State forest with every critter and Eagles. From what I have seen 3Sq. Ft. per bird of floor space is required. I was thinking roughly 20 sq. Ft. for the weather proof area. Can the floor be raised with a wire floor to allow droppings to fall through and clean under.
Tioga County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
1. Guineas just as with other poultry need to be properly brooded. This means that you are correct that depending on temperature you may need to keep them inside until temps get to above 55-60. I would assume 4-5 week old birds with the rest of the flock would be Ok in the yard with proper support of coops. So larger housing (2-3 sqft for adults) will be needed as they grow.
2. Guineas are very social birds, so yes a group would be good to start with. You also need to allow for normal mortality, and for sex differences. Five birds should give you some males and females in the bunch.
3. Guineas adapt very well to housing. Almost any housing can work. They also perch a lot in trees, so I wouldn't put too much into buildings unless you wish to keep them in confinement. Univ. of Kentucky has a hoop plan that is rather inexpensive for keeping birds among others at: https://poultry.extension.org/articles/getting-started-with-small-and-backyard-poultry/housing-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks/housing-design-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks/
See also:
https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-management/raising-guinea-fowl-in-small-and-backyard-flocks/
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ASC/ASC209/ASC209.pdf
https://college.agrilife.org/posc/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2012/08/l-5191.pdf
2. Guineas are very social birds, so yes a group would be good to start with. You also need to allow for normal mortality, and for sex differences. Five birds should give you some males and females in the bunch.
3. Guineas adapt very well to housing. Almost any housing can work. They also perch a lot in trees, so I wouldn't put too much into buildings unless you wish to keep them in confinement. Univ. of Kentucky has a hoop plan that is rather inexpensive for keeping birds among others at: https://poultry.extension.org/articles/getting-started-with-small-and-backyard-poultry/housing-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks/housing-design-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks/
See also:
https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-management/raising-guinea-fowl-in-small-and-backyard-flocks/
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ASC/ASC209/ASC209.pdf
https://college.agrilife.org/posc/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2012/08/l-5191.pdf
Thanks for your question, G.
