Help! My 4 Week Old Guinea Fowl Aren't Doing Well

Health & Disease Management
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Seeking Help for My Young Guinea Fowl

I’m a new poultry owner and I’ve recently come into the world of raising guinea fowl. I currently have a pair of 4-week-old keets, and I’ve noticed that they don’t seem to be thriving like I expected.

Health Concerns

I’ve heard that sometimes keets can have health issues at this age, and I fear my little ones might be experiencing some problems. Here are a few things I’ve observed:

  • Lethargy: They seem to be less active than when I first got them.
  • Dehydration: I sometimes see them drinking too little water compared to what I’ve read they should be consuming.
  • Puffed Up Feathers: They look a bit ruffled, which I’ve read could indicate distress or illness.

Living Conditions

I currently have them in a cozy brooder with heat lamps, but I’m worried if my setup is right:

  • The temperature feels warm enough (around 90°F), but I’m unsure about ventilation.
  • I have them on a bed of pine shavings, but I’m wondering if that’s the best option.

Interaction with Other Birds

I was thinking of introducing them to my baby chicks, but I’m not sure if they’ll get along. Have any of you had success with this?

Seeking Advice

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! What kind of health checks should I be doing? Are there any common issues I should be looking out for? Moreover, any tips on their diet or living conditions would help ease my worries. I don’t want to lose my little ones! Thanks for taking the time to read this, I look forward to your insights.

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

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I’m sorry to hear your guinea fowl aren’t doing well! At 4 weeks, they need a high protein diet (about 28% protein) and should be kept warm. Make sure their bedding is clean and dry as well.

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Absolutely! Wet bedding can lead to health issues. Have you checked their water source too? Fresh water is crucial.

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I’ve read that guinea fowl need a bit of space as they grow. Are they too crowded? Giving them room can help reduce stress and improve health.

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That’s a great point! I always use a brooder that’s spacious enough to allow movement but also keeps them warm. How big is your setup?

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Make sure you’re providing a balanced diet. I recommend a starter feed specifically for game birds, along with some greens. They’ll appreciate it!

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Yes! I remember getting my chicks a good quality starter as it helped them thrive. Consider adding some probiotic supplements too.

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How are their droppings? Changes in droppings can be an indicator of health issues. You should monitor that regularly.

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Exactly! If they stop eating or become lethargic, it could be more serious. I hope that’s not the case for yours!

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Have you considered the weather where you are? Too cold or too hot can really affect them at this age. They don’t cope well with extremes.

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Right! It might be a bit like Goldilocks: not too hot, not too cold! Keep their environment just right for best results.

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I’m sorry to hear your guinea fowl aren’t doing well! At 4 weeks, they can be quite delicate. Make sure they’re kept warm and have access to food and water at all times. Handling them gently can help build trust, too!

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Absolutely, keeping them warm is crucial! I also found that interacting with them daily helps their socialization. Just be patient as they adapt to their surroundings.

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Does anyone have tips on integrating them with chickens? I’ve heard they can be a bit skittish. I want to make sure they feel safe but also social with my other poultry.

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I actually introduced my guinea fowl to my chickens in a separate pen first. It let them get used to each other without too much stress. After a week, I let them mingle, and it went smoothly!

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Great idea! I might give that a shot. Do you find they act differently than the chickens? Any specific behaviors I should watch for?

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Yes, they can be a bit more skittish and seem playful! They might even chirp more than the chickens. Just keep an eye out for any bullying behavior. This might help ease your mind about their well-being.

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That’s what I was worried about! My hens can be a bit bossy. Any tips for alleviating that?

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Try to have more space available when you introduce them. If they feel crowded, the chickens might pick on them more. You could also add more feeders to help minimize competition.

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Also, I read that guinea fowl are just inherently goofy! Their social pecking order can be really different from chickens. Just give it time, and you’ll see their unique characters come out!