A vanishing hen: Mating season behavior Q

TenHenAustin

Chirping
10 Years
Mar 28, 2012
14
8
84
Austin TX
I have (had?) 3 guineas: 1 male who arrived 2 seasons ago (surprise! so he was named "Papua") and stayed with the chickens ever since, and 2 females who were purchased and raised last year. Until last week, the 3 were pretty tight, always together--always within earshot, if not sight, of the chicken flock. Since late fall they have roosted with the chickens inside the coop, instead of the trees, like the male used to until last year. I noticed a couple weeks ago I didn't hear or see them off/on during day--unusual for them. Then a little over a week ago, one hen stayed out overnight, but was on the roof the next morn and remained (presumably) with the other two throughout the day. However, a day later & since she has disappeared.

I've looked around the property and not (yet) found a nest. (Property--open grass areas and brush/treed areas, is 10 acres; our residential area for about 1/2, and our construction company the remainder. Birds have always been close to the res area which includes coop & gardening). Since the 1 hen vanished, the remaining 2 guineas have their pattern of behavior and foraging--always within viz of res/coop site. I tried following; haven't seen missing hen or nest. Today I saw the male guarding where I believe the remaining hen went to lay in some trees.
Question: do you think Papua and his remaining hen chased off the vanished hen
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--or is it more likely she is on a nest somewhere?
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I'll add, one of our workers claims he saw a "turkey" running away from the construction office area-the other side of the property from normal range of the flock--in our 3 past years doing poultry, we've never seen any of the guineas or chickens in that direction. We also never have seen or heard turkey in this area, much less on our property. I'm wondering if this guy's "turkey" was my guinea hen and maybe the other 2 coupled up and ran her off. Or should I keep hoping the female will show up in another 3 or so weeks-potentially w/keets, or should I diligently search including near the construction shop. [sorry--I'm worried & really intense about caring for my animals.] Thanks for reading & providing feedback. I couldn't find this situation addressed anywhere.
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Good possibility she had a nest out away from traffic and has set the nest or has been killed while setting/laying there. If you do not hear her calling by noon she is most likely gone. You can (and I would) search everywhere for the nest. Even if you don't find her you should see feathers and a place where she was. It will be in the deepest thicket or hiding place. Look for a trail leading to it. May be as subtle as slight path in grass. Good luck.
I pen my hens early Mach as I know they will hide eggs and eventually be killed without the protection of the pen.
 
Thanks for the info. I have looked and as yet not a single feather, no scat or tracks from typical varmints either, though. The remaining male and female have a new nest that started 8 days ago (8 eggs...i'm keeping close eye.) Will continue the hunt far and wide for missing gal, hoping to beat the odds. Reckon i have til around 30th if she will show up.

Meanwhile, new questions: when you have 2 guinea hens, would they start a new nest if the first hen was setting on the first nest? Do you ever see the broody guinea off the nest? Lastly, everyone free ranges here except for overnight lock up (they all voluntarily go in). If i have to lock in the guineas, how long will i have to keep them locked in (for weeks or months without a break? Sounds awful; Or daily until egg is laid around 1-which will be no bueno when our Texas heat hits in another few weeks to a month) or is regularly collecting the eggs, except 3 or so, a good solution?

They will not like lock in at all-but i want the safest, best solution for this wild egg laying/nesting challenge. Thanks to any/all answers or suggestions. Guineas are so different than the chickens in this element.
 

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