Guinea Freedom

This year was the first time that we were able to hatch out our own guineas.  Out of 98 eggs we had  89 eggs hatch.  That was a better hatch rate than the booklet said we would have.  We expected about 50%.  What a surprise for us.  All of the keets moved to the brooder and not a one lost.  That is a big difference from when we get them through the mail.  We may loose up to 10. Out of 15 turkeys we have 5 left.   These were healthy keets, no drafts or cold temps.  The incubator was a gift from my mom.  We look forward to hatching turkeys and chicks next spring.  I didn't even notice an change with the electric bill.  That will save us a whole heap of money in the spring.  I figure around $250.00.  We moved them from their brooder to an area in the chicken coop, made just for them.  The screen let in fresh air and sunshine.  They grew and grew.

Happy guineas.  Well, as happy as a guinea can be I guess.  They continued to act like we were the mad monster ready to bite their heads off.  I want to make a statement here. Guineas are not sweet pets.  They don't want to be touched. Notice how calm they are in this picture? They didn't know I was there.

The guineas have been turned loose in the yard.  The screen is down and so is the wall.  This fact comes with a sad footnote.  When we took the wall down they were freaked out.  Evidently, later that evening they piled into a corner and didn't come out.  We lost 21 guineas to suffocation or crushing.  I am still in shock.  Like I said before, small brains for such good little birds. So now we have 78 left.  I know that is still more than we need.  Why we thought we needed that many guineas I have no clue. We like birds too? Here they are out in the pasture for the first time spreading their wings and flying.



The pups have to be watched at all times.  The have expressed that fresh guinea is very tasty, no need for any condiments.  We have the training collars back on to reinforce the "NO PUT THAT GUINEA DOWN" command.  Emma is very vocal about the lack of fresh meat. After all they are RETRIEVERS! If you would like to have a guinea or two or three or four of five....well you get my drift.  Just give me a buzz.
Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm