Monday
Linda
Yes! A new fleet of guineas has arrived at PHF. Thats right I said a fleet instead of a flock, because they move around in groups like battleships. Their purple gray bodies float across the tall grass pastures as if there were no feet attached.
We picked up eight guineas yesterday from TwoLynn’s Farm. Three females and five males. When we arrived home we kept them inside the dog box and placed it into the fenced chicken pen with the door open. We thought they might need a day or two to get used to their new surroundings.
They coward inside the dog box, squeaking softly to one another, until our two existing males rushed up to the fence. All eight guineas ran out of the dog box in a group, feathers ruffled, and trilling in high pitched squeaks and honks. Our two males were excited beyond belief to see others of their own kind and some pretty females to boot.
We decided that since we already had two guineas to show the new ones the ropes we would just let everybody out. Sonny swung the fence gate open and our two boys ran inside. There was jumping and squawking and greetings like the hugs and kisses given between long unseen family members.
Our boys led the group out into the open where they immediately ran up the hillside. Some of the males jumped in the air, wings spread and bumped chests in an attempt to gain dominance over the other. There will always be small squabbles, but I think our two boys are happy to be part of a guinea family again even though the chickens had adopted them.
Today the group roams around the farm pecking at bugs, (I hope eliminating ticks) and enjoying the amenities that PHF affords. I attempted to get a few pics of the birds, but they were too fast for me. Every time I would get close to them the guard on duty would spy me. Sounding the alarm the fleet would quickly go to general quarters,and would kick up to full steam ahead disappearing in a sea of tall grass.
I didn’t think I would be this happy to have more guineas, because they constantly make the nerve grating sound of off key wind and brass instruments, but I find I have missed them. Now if we only keep our females from being eaten by predators.
Off-Grid in West Virginia 