Lost a Guinea :( Update :(

[StevenW.]

Oh no!

I'm so sorry!

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Those were Fly maggots from some sort of injury. The injury was what killed her. Believe it or not the maggots wont eat flesh unless it is somewhat putrefied. In some cases maggots in a wound can keep gangrene from killing the animal. I know ikky but it happens. Well at least now you know. Soo sorry....

 

[PeepsCA]

Oh man, what a bummer. So sorry for your loss, and the grief you went thru to have found her like that.

I agree with perchie, the infection (from a wound) is what probably did her in. It does not take long for flies to hone in on a carcass and the maggots get right to work (if they had not already started on her before she died). Guineas are really stoic, and can hide wounds and illnesses up to the point it's just too late to help them sometimes.

It's possible she may have been egg bound and the infection started inside of her (they usually leak horrid stuff that can really attract the flies) and then the flies set up camp really fast. Hard to say unless you have a ful necropsy done by an avian vet, and it sounds like it's already too late for that... plus they vets can't always tell the cause of death even if they do the necropsy asap after the death.

Again, sorry for your loss

 

[tomingreeneco]

So sorry for your loss. It may have been attacked by a fox. The fox pulled out a bunch of the feathers before the guinea escaped. Probably died from loss of blood and shock. Keep an eye out for the fox. If it was one, it will be back.

 

[SassyKat6181]

We have a lot of predators around here. The coyotes have been howling at night. This is exactly why I make sure they are locked up before dark. They roam not too far from the house during the day, but I have no idea what they encounter out there. They are cool birds and I love having them, but I am really feeling sad for the one that died and a little anxious about losing any more. I know they are birds, but I have raised them since day olds and have done my best to make sure they are healthy and safe.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Gawd I know how it feels....

 

[PeepsCA]

Don't beat yourself up over this, you've put a lot of time, effort and energy into giving those birds a good life and a safe home and you've done great with them!

It's sad, but mystery deaths are common among Guinea flocks. Sometimes no matter how hard we try to keep them safe and healthy occasionally something just happens out of the blue and takes one from us. At least she died at home, where she knew it was safe (thanks to all your hard work), rather than getting packed off by a predator. I know not having the closure of knowing the cause was will bother you for quite a while, but hopefully everybody else in the flock is fine and continues to thrive for you

 

[SassyKat6181]

Thanks everyone, your kind words do help me feel better and it's great to have a community to talk with about these wonderful birds that so few know about. For the 10 birds that remain.....are there any precautionary measures I need to take in terms of their health? It is near impossible to catch them and give a lookover. The one I netted last night was very distraught. Wazine wormer or electrolytes? Thanks again

 

[PeepsCA]

The Wazine won't hurt the birds, but if there really is a worm issue in your flock the Wazine usually does not kill all kinds of worms. Personally I'd just watch for fluffed, depressed birds and abnormal stools... and if you really suspect worms take a stool sample to a vet for a cecal test so you know which kinds of worms to specifically medicate for. A good vet will be able to tell you the exact wormer to use and the dosage needed.

I've never yet met a Guinea yet that enjoys being caught, lol. Sometimes it helps calm them if you can wrap them in a towel and keep their heads covered, but in general they all act like you are killing them no matter what you do or how you do it

I have a catch cage I put on the floor of the coop, angled in one corner then herd the bird or birds into it calmly. Then I close the cage door, set the cage up on it's side then just reach in and get the bird I need to medicate (or band a leg whatever). Cuts down on some of the stress of catching them with a net. Also catching them at night, right off the perch in the dark goes a little easier sometimes too.

 

[southern oaks]

So sorry for your loss. At least she knew where home was and made it back. It is so hard when you lose one but like peeps said We can only provide all we can and do the best we can and then nature takes it course. Best wishes on the rest