My guineas are almost 12 weeks old, have been out in their coop and pen since they were almost 3 weeks old. This past week I started letting 2 - 3 out of the pen each day to investigate for an hour or so. I was always close by, somewhere in the yard. Today I let 4 out and noticed a hawk screeching overhead, circling the large wooded area we live in...... I'm sure it didn't see the guineas (although they WERE being loud!), since they didn't venture more than a few feet from their pen, which is also under a tree..... the guineas have yet to venture into the clear grassy yard area. I wondered whether clear, sunny days like today are more prone to hawk attacks.... are they able to spot prey easier? Are cloudy, overcast days a little safer, or does that seem to make any difference at all? Right now, and for a while yet, I'll be in the yard with them when they are let out, even when it is the whole group of 11. I know I can't protect them completely from hawks, but I'd like to know if certain weather days 'might' be a little safer than others? Or even if certain times of the day are safer? It'll be a while yet before I let them be out free ranging for hours by themselves during the daytime! Thanks!
