Crazy Guinea Syndrome???

[crittercarepets]

Hi there, I have my 4 guineas (2 male & 2 female) in with 5 chicks. They have been getting along GREAT since we put them together which is about 1 1/2 months. Tonight the guineas were creating quite a ruckus so I thought one of them might be out. The kids & I went to check all were in, but buff orpington chick had blood on the back of her neck.

At first the kids & I thought she was attacked by something so I was going in to separate her. Then the big male guinea had her cornered and was attacking!! I caught her and have her in a small cage in the garage with water and food. So here are my questions:

1. Do I clean the blood off? Can I do it with peroxide and put neosporin on it? Or do I just leave her alone in solitary confinement for a couple of days.

2. Is this normal for my guinea to do that? While refreshing their food & water I noticed that he put his head down, ruffled his feathers & went after the smaller male guinea. Are they going to act like roosters & I'm going to have to cull the boys from the girls club??

It has scared the ba-jeezus out of me and I'm saddened that one of my chicks is injured. So surprised. I don't have any male chickens because they become too aggressive.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance!

Bobbie

 

[sourland]

Guineas can be bullies and frequently act with a 'pack' mentality. For reasons that only they can perceive the entire flock may start attacking other fowl one bird at a time. In my experience when such behavior starts the only way to protect the attacked birds is to provide separate housing.