Thank you. As far as I can tell, they are being more careful in the road! They have gone over to the neighbors a couple of times in the last few days, but it appears to me that they gather at one side of the road and do their arguing there, then all cross at once. That's how it's looking right now at least. I don't want to be too hopeful, but I need them to not keep getting killed. Some folks say they have long-term problems with it, which makes me worried. In any case, I am hoping for a positive learning outcome here.
Hi Victoria-Nola - welcome to the Guinea Talk thread. One thing I thought of as I was reading through what you and others posted was - I notice a difference in my flock when one is killed. It's like their whole social structure comes unglued until they can figure out the new dynamic, especially if the missing member was further up on the pecking order. If they are lower, then the flock only needs to find a new one to pick on. If it's a bird with more clout, then they fight me going back into the coop, they act like it's their first time roosting and some who were once docile, take on the role of keeping others in line. So, I'm wondering if on top of the red light turning white (which if it's too bright now, it will keep them up), all the loss they are having to work through is a part of it too. It may take them a while to get reorganized. Thanks for posting and good luck with your flock!
Hey thanks, GlennLee, for the validation and thoughts. Yes, it's probably a combination of factors and not just one thing. I mentioned above that I have put the red filter back on at night for several nights and they are still making sounds, though perhaps somewhat less so. The combination of factors makes the most sense of what's happening. Very helpful.
I love them so much! I just also want to say, some people say they are stupid, and say very mean things about them. I don't see it that way. For one thing, I think all creatures are geniuses in their own niche. If we take an animal out of its natural niche, in the case of guineas, from the the savannas of Western Africa, and then criticize them because they don't take easily to being cooped up, that seems to be a human perception problem, not a real truth. I also think that it may be true that groups of guineas who stay integral may be in better shape and able to learn as a group better than guinea groups that are constantly shifting members (say, for situations where guineas are sold from the group-- no judgment, just saying it's obvious they are really affected by goings and comings). In any case, I've heard people claim that guineas are "too stupid to get in out of the rain" but my guineas troop to their coop on and off all day when it's rainy. They totally get it.
--V
