Guinea has been kicked out!

[mrbstephens]

Two days ago I noticed one guinea was chasing another and they would stop to fight. But then it turned into more of an attack. One was being beaten up, he was corned and beaten (pecked). I manage to get the hurt one separated and into the shed where he spent the night. Yesterday morning I let him out. He looked fine other than a little bit of injury above the beak and a few feathers missing. He took one look at the rest of the flock and headed in the opposite direction. I saw him lie down in the bushes shortly after and that was the last I saw of him that day. He didn't return last night and at one point I heard him screaming and thought something had gotten him.

To my amazement he reappeared this afternoon, but as soon as the rest of the flock appeared he ran for the road. I chased him back over and as soon as he was spotted, three guineas charged after him. Fortunately he ran right into the shed where he is locked in right not.

I swear, this guy must have said the wrong thing and rest have kicked him out, telling him to never show his face again. It's crazy!

Could someone please give me suggestions? I'm wondering if I should put him in with the chickens. Otherwise he will be a loner.

 

[PeepsCA]

Sometimes Guineas just decide they are "evicting" a flock member. Sounds like he is the lucky bird of the season in your flock. He got whomped hard, so running away from the bullies is (in his mind) his only choice. Unfortunately if he's not confined, a predator may end up getting him, so it's good that you have him contained.

He may turn on your chickens, but you can try putting him in there and see how it goes for the rest of the breeding season. It may or may not work out better if you give him a Guinea Hen to claim as his own (in with the chickens, with him). That may make him turn on the chickens more quickly, but he could be perfectly happy/content. It's hard to say how it will work out. Every situation and bird is different, so I can't give you definitive advice. All you can do is try a few different things and see what works.

If he does not get along with the chickens then you'll need to keep him penned up near the Guinea flock until the breeding season is over, the rest of the flock settles down and lets him rejoin the group again (which is usually late Fall/early Winter with my flocks). They will most likely not accept him back if they are not exposed to him on a regular basis tho, so they need to be able to see him, but not get to him (so separation by wire is your best bet).

 

[mrbstephens]

Well, now that's an odd thing! I went to lock them in their house tonight and all of them, including the underdog were in there.