Guinea Keets For Sale: Find Healthy Chicks Near You

Are you looking to add some unique and beneficial birds to your farm or homestead? Guinea keets, or baby guinea fowl, are a fantastic choice. Known for their pest-control abilities, alertness, and entertaining personalities, guinea fowl can be a valuable addition. If you're in the market for guinea keets for sale, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding and raising these fascinating birds.

Why Choose Guinea Fowl?

Guinea fowl offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for many farmers and homesteaders:

• Pest Control: Guinea fowl are voracious eaters of insects, including ticks, grasshoppers, and other pests that can damage crops and bother livestock.
• Alert System: Their loud calls make them excellent watchdogs, alerting you to any potential predators or intruders.
• Low Maintenance: Guinea fowl are relatively low-maintenance birds, foraging for much of their food and requiring minimal care.
• Unique Eggs: Guinea fowl eggs are smaller and richer than chicken eggs, offering a delicious alternative.

Where to Find Guinea Keets for Sale

Finding guinea keets for sale requires some research and due diligence. Here are several reliable options:

Local Breeders

One of the best places to find guinea keets is through local breeders. Local breeders often raise their birds in a natural, healthy environment and can provide valuable insights into the specific needs of guinea fowl in your area.

How to Find Local Breeders:

• Online Directories: Websites like Craigslist, local Facebook groups, and farm directories often list breeders in your area.
• Farm Supply Stores: Local farm supply stores often have bulletin boards where breeders can post ads.
• Word of Mouth: Ask other farmers or homesteaders in your area if they know of any reputable breeders.

Hatcheries

Hatcheries are another common source for guinea keets. Many hatcheries ship keets nationwide, making them a convenient option if you don't have local breeders nearby.

Popular Hatcheries:

• Murray McMurray Hatchery: A well-known hatchery with a wide variety of poultry breeds, including guinea fowl.
• Cackle Hatchery: Offers several breeds of guinea fowl and ships throughout the United States.
• Ideal Poultry: Provides a variety of guinea keets and other poultry, with options for different quantities.

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like eBay and specialized poultry forums can also be a source for finding guinea keets for sale. However, it's crucial to exercise caution when buying from online sellers.

Tips for Buying Online:

• Check Seller Reviews: Look for sellers with positive feedback and a history of selling poultry.
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask the seller about their breeding practices, the health of their birds, and their shipping policies.
• Review Shipping Policies: Ensure the seller has a safe and humane shipping process to minimize stress on the keets.

What to Look for When Buying Guinea Keets

When you've located potential sellers, it's essential to evaluate the keets' health and overall condition. Here are some key factors to consider: — Super Bowl 2026: Your Ultimate Guide

Health and Vitality

• Active and Alert: Healthy keets should be active, curious, and responsive to their environment.
• Cleanliness: Check for clean vents and no signs of pasted-up bottoms, which can indicate illness.
• Smooth Feathers: The keets should have smooth, clean feathers without any signs of feather picking or parasites.
• Bright Eyes: Look for bright, clear eyes with no discharge.

Breed and Variety

Guinea fowl come in several colors and varieties, including Pearl, Lavender, White, and more. Consider which variety best suits your needs and preferences.

Common Guinea Fowl Varieties:

• Pearl Guinea: The most common variety, known for its gray body with white spots.
• Lavender Guinea: A beautiful variety with a soft lavender-gray color.
• White Guinea: Pure white birds that are visually striking.
• Royal Purple Guinea: A rich, dark purple variety.

Age and Quantity

Consider the age of the keets and the quantity you need. Younger keets (1-3 weeks old) require more intensive care but are easier to tame. Older keets are more independent but may be harder to integrate into an existing flock.

Factors to Consider:

• Age: Younger keets need a brooder with a heat source, while older keets can often be integrated into a coop with adult birds.
• Quantity: Guinea fowl are social animals, so it's best to buy at least three to ensure they have companionship.

Preparing for Your Guinea Keets

Before bringing your guinea keets home, it's crucial to have the proper setup and supplies. Here's a checklist to help you prepare:

Brooder Setup

Young guinea keets need a warm, safe environment to thrive. A brooder is a confined space that provides heat and protection.

Essential Brooder Components:

• Container: A large plastic tub, cardboard box, or metal trough can serve as a brooder.
• Heat Source: A heat lamp or brooder plate is essential to keep the keets warm. Maintain a temperature of 95°F (35°C) for the first week, reducing it by 5°F each week until they are fully feathered.
• Bedding: Use pine shavings, straw, or paper towels for bedding. Avoid cedar shavings, as they can be harmful to birds.
• Food and Water: Provide chick starter feed and fresh water in shallow dishes or chick waterers.

Housing and Coop

Once the keets are fully feathered (around 6-8 weeks old), they can move to an outdoor coop. Guinea fowl need a secure coop to protect them from predators and the elements.

Coop Requirements:

• Space: Provide at least 4 square feet of floor space per bird.
• Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation to prevent respiratory problems.
• Roosts: Guinea fowl prefer to roost high, so provide roosting bars or perches.
• Protection: The coop should be secure against predators like foxes, coyotes, and raccoons.

Feed and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development. Guinea keets need a high-protein diet to thrive.

Feeding Guidelines:

• Chick Starter: Feed keets a chick starter feed with 24-28% protein for the first 6-8 weeks.
• Grower Feed: Transition to a grower feed with 20% protein until they are about 16 weeks old.
• Layer Feed: Once they start laying eggs (around 6-7 months), switch to a layer feed with 16% protein and added calcium.

Integrating Guinea Keets into Your Flock

If you already have other poultry, integrating guinea keets into your flock requires careful planning and supervision.

Gradual Introduction

• Separate Housing: Keep the keets separate from your existing flock for the first few weeks to allow them to adjust to their new environment.
• Visual Contact: Allow the keets and adult birds to see each other through a fence or wire mesh.
• Supervised Integration: Introduce the keets to the flock during the day under supervision. Watch for signs of aggression and separate them if necessary.

Tips for Successful Integration

• Introduce at Night: Introducing new birds at night when they are roosting can minimize stress and aggression.
• Provide Space: Ensure the birds have plenty of space to avoid overcrowding and competition.
• Monitor Behavior: Observe the birds closely for signs of bullying or injury.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Raising guinea fowl can be rewarding, but it also comes with its challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Keet Mortality

Young keets are susceptible to various health issues, including coccidiosis and other infections. Proper hygiene, nutrition, and a warm, clean environment can help reduce mortality rates.

Predators

Guinea fowl are vulnerable to predators, especially when young. Secure housing, fencing, and vigilant monitoring can protect them from harm. — Grizzlies Vs. Thunder Tickets: Your Game Day Guide

Roaming

Guinea fowl are natural foragers and may roam if not properly confined. Clipping their wings or providing a large, secure enclosure can help keep them close to home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take for guinea keets to mature?

Guinea keets typically mature in about 6-7 months and start laying eggs in the spring following their hatch year.

2. What do guinea fowl eat?

Guinea fowl are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including insects, seeds, grains, and vegetation. They are excellent foragers and can help control pests in your garden and farm.

3. Are guinea fowl noisy?

Yes, guinea fowl are known for their loud calls, which can be both a benefit (as an alert system) and a drawback (if you have close neighbors). The noise level can vary depending on the breed and individual bird.

4. How many eggs do guinea fowl lay?

Guinea fowl typically lay around 100 eggs per year, usually in the spring and summer months. Their eggs are smaller and richer than chicken eggs.

5. Can guinea fowl be raised with chickens?

Yes, guinea fowl can be raised with chickens, but it's essential to introduce them gradually and monitor their behavior. Providing plenty of space and resources can help minimize conflicts. — Score Big: Your Guide To Jayson Tatum Youth Jerseys

6. What is the lifespan of a guinea fowl?

Guinea fowl can live for 10-15 years in captivity, depending on their environment and care.

7. How do I tame guinea fowl?

Taming guinea fowl can be challenging, but it's possible with consistent interaction and positive reinforcement. Start by spending time with them in their enclosure and offering treats. Hand-raising keets from a young age can also help them become more accustomed to human interaction.

Conclusion

Finding and raising guinea keets for sale can be a rewarding experience. These unique birds offer numerous benefits, from pest control to acting as an alert system. By understanding where to find them, what to look for when buying, and how to care for them, you can successfully integrate guinea fowl into your farm or homestead. Remember to prioritize their health, safety, and nutritional needs, and you'll enjoy the many advantages these fascinating birds provide.