Guinea Fowl

Guineas are fascinating and social creatures that thrive in a flock environment. Their camaraderie is unmatched; where one goes, the others follow closely behind. If a guinea happens to stray from the group, it will call out, encouraging its flockmates to come and find it.

While guineas can cohabitate peacefully with other birds like chickens and ducks, they often prefer to take the lead, especially the males. As they mature, you may find that some separation becomes necessary to keep the peace among your feathered friends. Keets, or young guineas, can start out being raised alongside other baby poultry but will need their own space once they reach a more rambunctious stage.

In terms of living arrangements, guineas naturally love to roost high in trees or above-ground spots. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your coop has elevated roosting options. They require proper housing to retreat to, especially during inclement weather or at night. Leaving them outside after dark poses a serious risk, as they become vulnerable to aerial predators.

To encourage your guineas to return to the coop each evening, try using a consistent call along with their favorite treat, millet. It's best to do this before it gets dark, as they tend to be apprehensive about entering a dark space. Keep a low-light bulb on in the coop until they are all settled in for the night.

If you choose to keep your guineas in confinement, provide them with 4 square feet of space per bird to ensure they remain healthy and stress-free. Remember, these semi-wild fowl do not thrive in overly cramped conditions.

In the wild, guineas are monogamous and mate for life, with a recommended ratio of one male to five females generally yielding harmony within the flock. Finally, always keep in mind that guineas can be quite vocal, so it's prudent to consider your neighbors and check local zoning regulations before bringing them home.