I have a couple guineas that seem to much prefer grazing to intentionally looking for bugs. They also like to destroy things: plants/flowers, deck boards (they apparently have a woodpecker complex), bushes, etc. It's not that they are eating it, just tearing stuff up. I had hopes for them to be in the garden this year but it didn't work out. To me, it seems they are just young and green and like a little kid that wants to put everything in their mouths. That's not to say they never eat insects as they definitely cleaned out the June bug population and now that they're getting older I can see a change in their destructive habits. I've also cleared a little 'road' out for them on the property and have been working on clearing some trails in wooded areas and they seem to really appreciate the access. Matter of fact this week they've been following me around on the tractor picking what ever hops or crawls out as I pass over. And in the last 3 or 4 weeks I've yet to pull a tick off myself or the dog which had been an almost daily occurrence.
Maybe it's just a matter of age and confidence building. Guineas are a strange lot. Some people will tell you they are just plain stupid, but I think maybe it's just lack of inhibition and a gregarious personality that make them seem that way. Since yours were penned up for 8 months it may take them some time to get into the swing of things and learn how to be free range guineas again or for the first time.
Good luck, I hope you're able to work it out so they can stick around!
Maybe it's just a matter of age and confidence building. Guineas are a strange lot. Some people will tell you they are just plain stupid, but I think maybe it's just lack of inhibition and a gregarious personality that make them seem that way. Since yours were penned up for 8 months it may take them some time to get into the swing of things and learn how to be free range guineas again or for the first time.
Good luck, I hope you're able to work it out so they can stick around!
