Three Guineas Need New Home

[missjane]

Somebody needs to video the roundup.

I wonder if you could have a Guinea Patrol, like Goat Patrol. Saw the goats at work at TLC's Green Jamboree last weekend. Impressive, to be sure.

[chrstnhsbndfthr]

Any opinions/experience using a long-handled large fish net??  Kinda what I'm thinking, but have never done it.

It has greater risk of injury to the birds than catching them by the foot. The birds will struggle against the net, risking wings and such.

[bluetick67]

Thanks.  That had crossed my mind, and now that you've written it, that route won't be taken.  Very curious about your hanger device; will give that a try and yes, we definitely need someone to video!  These guys/gals are pretty wily - won't go for the feed or withstand cornering.

Guinea Patrol may be feasible!

[tinytownmom]

It took several days, but the guineas are finally caged and ready for relocation. We weren't able to corner them or catch them. They're too smart and it's too humid. We left the cages near their roost for several days, then gradually put their food and water in the cage, leaving the doors open. The guineas got used to going in and out of the cage. Last night, we closed two of them in. The third one was persuaded to go into a second cage adjacent to his friends. We're waiting on the new owner to come get them. She built an large covered pen for them so they don't try to get back to our property.   

[belle]

excellent. catching wild birds is hard. good for you.

[bluetick67]

Re-homed guineas.  It is possible!   

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YlDagPWzbQNh2QDyu-_hUg?feat=directlink

[tinytownmom]

Thanks for posting the picture! We were wondering how the "girls" were doing and if we have visitation rights. They look healthy and happy, but the real question is....are they eating the ticks?

[bluetick67]

I apologize for not posting much sooner.  They are doing very well, and acting more like puppies than fowl! Can't move an inch outside it seems without them following about. You certainly have visitation rights, and actually anyone who would like to see the not-so-dumb side of guineas is welcome.

You and your girls did an amazing job of raising them, and I thank you.

Ps: They are eating ticks when not picking grain out of the neighbors' horses' poop.

[tinytownmom]

Everyone needs a hobby. It's nice the guineas have found one that nourishes them.

[seavey]

So glad it's working out!  How long did you keep them cooped up before you let them range?

[bluetick67]

LOL I think they think they're on vacation. Unlike your neighbors, ttm, mine welcome them, so they've established a routine.

Kept them in for a day and a half only.  Wouldn't always recommend that short of a period but ttm and family have them so acclimatized to humans that they screamed when not immediately attended. I took a chance...I have 3 youngsters as well, so I think helped to keep them around.  Now we're in the "integration" phase, which is concerning, but patience will win out.

Sorry if al of this detail is annoying, but guineas can be such a part of life here, can't they? ;-)

Maybe we all could keep this thread going and share our experiences. Or maybe I'm nuts.

[tinytownmom]

After the guineas went to your house, two neighbors asked us where they were. The neighbors said how much they liked having them around! I'm guessing the guineas didn't scratch the vehicles of those neighbors. Personally, I don't miss their mess, but I have to admit they were really entertaining. They chased my car up and down the driveway every day. I'll never get that kind of reception from my cats or my own children! I also liked the way our neighbor's Yorkie would chase the guineas in a circle, then everyone would change direction and the guineas would chase the Yorkie for a bit. Really funny stuff! 

[seavey]

Annoying?  Are you kidding?  I LOVE this stuff.  So, what is concerning about the integration phase? 

Love the Yorkie story.  That is hysterical. 

[tinytownmom]

bluetick must be away from the BBS (her work is interfering with her social life again!). While we wait for her up-to-the-minute report, I can tell you that the dominant male of my brood tried to maim one of bluetick's youngsters when the two groups were first introduced. Frightfully rude considering that the older guineas were the guests/newcomers. In the photo, the dominant male is the first guinea closest to the camera. He has stunninginly beautiful lavender plummage. This guinea acted like a trained assassin and didn't tolerate fools, humans, or anything inedible. You can tell that by the photo, can't you? 

[bluetick67]

Darn ol' work.

He is beautiful, and very male.  Have to tell a story of his wimpier side, though, then will get back to "integration" things later.

One evening after they had gone to roost, they were spooked by one of those fast storms.  I wasn't home at the time and my brother wasn't quite sure what to do.  So I arrive home, Poupon (the male) is running back and forth on the porch, alone, in the dark.  Alarmed, I ask my brother what had happened; he couldn't find the other two.  We grab flashlights and start scoping the property, and found both up in their usual roost tree.  Okay, great!

But guineas are non-operational in the dark.  First we try luring Poupon by lighting the path; he went about 15 feet and flipped out....then we tried food and flashlights, to no avail.  And suddenly, dimwit (me) realized that although we could probably lure him to the tree, there was no way he could actually make it up to roost.

He runs after us to the porch.  I sat with him for awhile, worried about leaving him on his own, then went in the house to see what would happen.  Within seconds he was on a patio chair outside the window, bashing the screen.  Poor thing!

Again, duh, the lights were on in that room.  Turned out the lights; he quieted down, tapping every now and then.

End of story?  I put an 8' folding ladder on the porch, he made it to the top and roosted.  Next morning, all were together, business as usual.

He's a big baby after all. 

ps: Brother now trained.

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