I have 10 week old guinea keets in my bedroom right now. We have a light on them and are keeping them at about 80 degrees. The lady at the hatchery indicated they could go outside in runs in about a week, as they would be pretty well feathered out. This seems a little soon, although the days have been around 80 and the nights around 45-50 degrees.

Also, has anyone had any success with keeping guineas in pens when they are adults? Most people around here seem to let them run. We plan to eat some and keep some for bug and snake control. I'm wondering if we could keep the ones we plan to eat in pens and let the rest roam? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks, Pam

Pam,
I think you are wise to question the information you've been given. I'm no guinea expert, but here's a site by the Guinea Guru, Frit, who pretty much is. There's tons of info about guineas there and also a message board just for guinea questions. Take a look:

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/9463/index.html#BEGIN

Good luck!

Dear Pam,
I'm no expert either, but I have had some guineas for the last yeAR. i HAVE KEPT MY GROWN GUINEAS IN THE PEN UNTILL JUST RECENTLY WITH NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. i ONLY LET THEM OUT BECAUSE WE ARE ALREADY INFESTED WITH TICKS & IT'S ONLY APRIL. SO YES, YOU CAN KEEP THE ONES YOU WANT FOR FOOD IN PENS

Tigger,


I know you were answering Pam. But I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the link to guinea info!!!!!!!! Willow