Sick or malnourished guineas?

Date sort Score sort
fizz

fizz

In the Brooder
8 Years
Oct 18, 2011
21
2
24
NE Victoria, Australia
I've been a bit worried about three of my guineas over the past couple of weeks. They seem to have a different silhouette to the normal kind of plump looking guinea fowl.

Here is one of my guineas that has the 'normal' silhouette - nice and rounded:
109672_img_2464.jpg


And here are two that have a skinnier, 'lumpier' silhouette over the tail:
109672_img_2457.jpg


And one without the sunlight shadow:
109672_img_2468.jpg



Am I right in thinking they don't look quite right? Is there anything I should be looking out for? They all seem to be foraging and eating normally during free range time, and they all get a go with the grain and greens I give when they come in at night. Apart from their appearance they don't seem to be poorly in any way and there don't seem to be strange droppings around. I think both of those above are females, but one of the other females has the plump look without the weird bumpiness.

Any ideas?
 
I admit to not really knowing anything about Guineas, but I think that it is possible that the change of seasons could possibly change the birds. Do you notice that they are eating more grain when they come in at night? It could be that they need more grains because of the coming winter.
 
Thanks for the reply JustBugged. I'm afraid it's not winter as we're in the southern hemisphere. We're about to get into the heat of summer down here.
 
The skinnier, 'lumpier' silhouette over the tail is what's referred to as a bustle, it's normal for Hens to look like this. In fact it's a good way to sex your Guineas, because the males do not develop this. With the heat of the summers here my flocks typically lose a lot of their fluff/down (like an undercoat on a dog) giving them all a leaner/slimmer appearance, and the bustles on the Hens are much more obvious during the warmer months. The birds are also more active and fit from getting more free range time, and the extended free range time can change the make-up of their diet (they consume more proteins and greens as opposed to consuming so much commercial poultry feed), so that can also attribute to their leaner look.

If you are concerned that they are under weight you can catch them and feel their breast area, if they feel really thin in that area then it's possible it is time to worm them. They all look healthy to me tho
smile.png
 
Quote:
x2
I agree with peeps, that is what my hens look like. The males always have a more rounded body while the females have a flatter back and are closer to the ground.
 
Oh! Well that makes me feel a whole lot better! Thanks Peeps and Guinealady
smile.png
I wasn't sure as they seemed like they were fine in every other way, other than the leaner profile. I will also give them a little squeeze (if I can catch the rascals!) and check their breast plumpness just to make sure.

BYC is a great resource, thanks again
smile.png
 

Similar threads

P
    • Like
Help !- introducing my Guinea Fowl Pair for Valentines Day !!
Replies
4
Views
1K
PuddleEndChicken
P
shickenthe2nd
Female Guinea Constant Squawking.
Replies
3
Views
1K
shickenthe2nd
shickenthe2nd
E
    • Like
Swollen Foot in Guinea Fowl
Replies
9
Views
1K
Wyorp Rock
Wyorp Rock
G
Injured/Sick Guinea will not walk and missing feathers
Replies
7
Views
2K
R2elk
R2elk
The Chick Addict
    • Like
Male Guinea Fowl laying down often and seems to be having a hard time using legs
Replies
3
Views
925
R2elk
R2elk

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom