[Gregoz]

Hi,
Read different advice on when they should hatch, when to lockdown and when to remove from incubator and feed!
Can anyone advise pleas?

Thanks!!

[waterbuffalofarmer]

I heard, and don't take my word as gospel please, the chicks hatch after about 21 days, sometimes they take a little longer. They can survive 24 hrs on the yolk from the egg, contents, which they eat, after that they should be slowly introduced to chick crumb and water. I'm not sure as to when to remove them, if my memory serves me right I think its between 2-3 days old, not sure. Do you mind if I hang onto this thread to see what everyone else says?

[Gregoz]

Thanks WBF

Sure, be good to get some other input

Thanks!!

[Marches Farmer]

Apart from the shorter incubation period guinea fowl keets can be treated the same as chicks: leave them in the incubator for up to 24 hours after hatching (they absorb the yolk, rather than eat it) then put them under an infra red lamp or electric broody, with constant access to chick crumbs and clean water.  If you want to be able to get hold of them when they're older spend time with them, speaking and moving quietly and slowly.  We kept ours inside until mature and they returned to the same shed to roost each night.  If you don't do this you'll probably only ever see them at a distance, if they manage to survive at all.  Keep only one male - they beat each other up really badly in the breeding season.  They lay wherever they happen to be, so collecting eggs can be a challenge.

[Gregoz]

Great! Thanks for the advice

What is shut down day and how long before they hatch??

Thanks!

[Marches Farmer]

I would expect guinea fowl to hatch in around 26 days and would stop turning them at 23 days.

[Gregoz]

Sweet! Cheers Marches Farmer!!???