New Guinea guest???

[Phillisa1]

About 4 nights ago there were two guinea fowls out front - in the morning there was only one this one was pacing back and forth trying to get into our fenced in area where we have a coop with 2 RI Reds. I opened the gate and it ran in. It has now taken up residence with our 2 chickens and there seems to be no issues. It roosts in the tree at night. Should I keep it?" It is obviously domesticated, comes when I shake the food, etc. We have no idea where it came from but it seems very content. It has been raining for two days and it stays inside the coop with the 2 other birds. We assume the other one was eaten by a fox or coyote as there are many around here. Suggestions??? Thanks.

 

[PeepsCA]

Is it making a 2 syllable buck-wheat sounding call? If not, it may be a male... and that can eventually possibly turn out bad for your RIRs, male Guineas can become aggressive/territorial. If it's buck-wheating then it's a Hen and you shouldn't have any aggression issues or any other problems, as long as the bird is healthy. It's hard to say how it will go tho, just be sure to monitor your RIRs for injuries and watch for any signs of bullying (by the Guinea, directed at your RIRs).

I never bring new birds into my flocks without a quarantine period tho...