Guineas

The best-known watchdogs of the avian kind can easily be raised in your backyard or farm. These birds will definitely bring some personality and a level of protection to your garden.

Guinea Care

The best-known watchdogs of the avian kind can easily be raised in your backyard or farm. These birds will definitely bring some personality and a level of protection to your garden. They are great for eating up insects and ticks. Following special care guidelines when raising guineas will ensure you have a healthy guinea to protect your yard or garden.

  1. The brooder house for guineas should be weather tight, free from drafts and rodent proof. Clean and disinfect your brooder house a week or two before the birds arrive so it is clean and dry ahead of time. Use a 12-14 inch high cardboard chick guard or area to form a draft shield and to keep birds from having corners to pile into. Baby guineas need 95-98 degrees to start. Do not use red bulbs for guineas. If the birds are too cold, they will not eat or drink; however, being too warm will lead to dehydration. Lower the temperature about 5 degrees a week.
  2. Use a course dry litter, wood shavings are best. If there are fine pieces in the litter, it is good to cover it for the first day or two so the birds don’t eat litter instead of feed.
    3. Use 1 one-gallon plastic fount for up to 30 guineas. Put feed on feeder flats, egg flats or even paper plates for the first couple of days so the birds find it easily. Regular metal reel feeders are fine after you take out the flats.
  3. Feed 28% to 30% game bird starter feed. It is important for the guineas that the feed is a fine ground crumble (a mash).

Start out with a small space just big enough for the birds the feed and the water. About 1/2 square feet of space is enough for day old guineas; enlarge it as they grow.