So I have it in my head that I really want Guinea keets. They are supposed to be relatively easy to care for and are awesome at tick and insect control, which we could really use around here. I think I have it in my head that we'll train them to stay in boundaries, which I have read can be done, and we'll train the dogs to leave them be so they can live fairly freely, which I think is attainable too.
And the hatchery we got the ducks from has a Guinea special going on right now, which would make them a tad bit cheaper. I think I'd like to get them now so they could be in full swing in the spring.
But still, something holds me back from placing that order. Do any of you have Guineas? I'd love to hear about your experiences.
And what do you think...should we do it?
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I had 60 of them. Major mailing fiasco. Much good to say about them, and some not so good.
ReplyDeleteThey go where they want to. You might be able to get them to stay, you might not. If you have chickens, you could probably get a couple of keets to learn to stay with them. More, and they get their own ideas.
They are EXCELLENT bug control. :)
~Faith
Our neighbors had 2 guineas, a male and a female. They were always in the road and then one got hit. I don't know, maybe they can be trained, maybe our neighbors didn't try very hard. Sorry I don't have a more positive experience to share, that's the only time I've been around them.
ReplyDeleteMy grandpa raised quite a few when I lived next door on his place years ago. They were noisy but fun to watch, their eggs were great, and they were great with bug control. He had them in a big run with a wire top (raccoon and possum problems) so his didn't wander far, but his friend who had them said they like to insist on roosting in the trees.
ReplyDeleteIf I had more space I would for sure get some. I would love to have something to eat the grasshoppers this year!!
have fun!!
well shucks girl, now you've got me wanting them! I say give them a try. But I don't know anything. :-) LOL
ReplyDeletewe, by generiousity have 25 when we were planning on 5-10 :)
ReplyDeletei'm not sure where you are...i'm eastern iowa--if you are ever this way you can have some free! they are like 4/3 weeks old right now
my plans are the same as the reasons you want them
we really need help with ticks and asian beetles/boxelders
i got mine from the hatchery with the largest color selection in the world
ralph winter guinea farms in new vienna, ia
he's a super nice guy
i have people say they are wonderful and hardy birds who do great with bugs
and other people who say don't get them b/c they are too noisy and will roost in the barn and poop on everything
I had many posts on my blog about the 2 guineas that just showed up in my yard. I love them and they stayed for a long time. But when the yellow lab puppy showed up in the yard the guineas moved on to find a new home; I love their happy sounds. It is very comforting. They loved swimming in our pond. (ok wallowing is more like it) and I loved watching them constantly finding and eating bugs. I miss them.
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