I lost my Guinea Fowl last night....

[KayKaye]

I know this may sound crazy but, back in April a flock of these birds came through my yard. I live on four heavily wooded acres and often see turkey, deer, fox, raccoons, owls, hawks, possums, voles, squirrels and all the other critters akin to NJ. This was the first time Guineas ever came through my yard in the 32 years I've lived here. After the flock foraged for two days they moved on, but two guineas stayed behind, for some reason. I could tell they were mates, as they stayed closely together at all times. One early morning while I was watering my garden, a red fox came out of the woods and got one of the birds while its mate tried to fend it off. After the bird's death, its mate mourned for weeks and ran around the area where its mate was killed. To assist in the healing, I placed a mirror on my deck and the bird spent the next four months living on my deck, looking in that mirror, sleeping next to it in daylight, roosting nightly on the railing near it and following me around the yard. I became very attached to this critter. Last night I was in my kitchen around 1:00 am and heard Chip, that's what I called him, screech a loud piercing screech. It never made its warning call. I looked out in time to see a large orange cat but no Guinea. I ran outside and chased the cat away and called Chip. He always comes when I call. I know at night he doesn't like to make sounds to give away his position fearing owls, so I figured he hid in the trees and would be back in the morning. He wasn't. I combed my whole four acres, my two neighbors yards and the farm behind me, with my dachshunds but there is no sight of a carcass or even a single feather. I thought he got spooked, ran off and lost his way. Any chance this is so? Any chance he's still alive? I'm devastated. I know this is silly, he's just a wild bird, but he was funny and quirky and interesting and I miss him. Is anyone in here from NJ and looking to get rid of some guineas? I live in South Jersey between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Please respond to this post if you are. Thanks!

 

[Abriana]

I am so sorry for your loss, maybe he will come back soon. Be praying!

 

[KayKaye]

Thanks. I hope so! I miss him!