New Guinea hens into the mix

[waddle watcher]

Just got two hens from an auction and introduced them to my others. All they have been doing for three days is squaking. They stay with the others woundering around the yard but will not stop squaking. I think I should have purchased all four in that cage because the other two were males and they might have been mated up. They act as if they are calling for those males. Also they won't sleep with the others in the very comfortable house I have for them. They prefer roosting on a pole inside the main cage and just start squaking at day break.They appear to be older birds but two of my others are as well. I have not experienced any thing like this before and it is getting a little annoying. Any info or advise would be greatly appricated, regards breeze

 

[JLeigh]

Waddlewatcher - IMHO, if you can, get those two male guineas or another male. You're right, they may have been paired up with the males and are calling out for them. At least I think that's right. I'm not an expert. They will probably calm down though. They've just been through a "trauma" in their minds - they're in a completely different surrounding without the rest of their flock, or mates.

I edited this post - - when I read your info above, I thought you were integrating with chickens, not other guineas, so I deleted my paragraph about chickens/guineas. Duh. I'm only operating at 15% brain capacity (I've got 10% more to go to be at my maximum best

. Hopefully, you didn't read my original post.

More coffee....................

 

[waddle watcher]

I had a strange feeling about just getting two from the crate. But by the time it hit me the other two went to 2 different folks and I have no idea where they are. I started with guineas in March of 012 with four all from the same cage. Didn't know much then but realized that they pair up and are really dedicated to one another. Last week I came home to a very heartbreaking scene. My two favorite's Bacon and Buckwheat were killed by a neighbor's dog who tunneled under the fence for the second time. When I found him [Bacon] motionless she was standing next to him like in mourning. She had several wounds and a broken leg and as I approached she staggered away. I caught and and caged her but she passed away a few hours later. I buried them side by side with a connecting post between them and visit them every day. So much for attachment but when your heart is involved we seem to become more receptive to the recipient of the emotion.
Thanks for the responce, Breeze

 

[PeepsCA]

They are going thru an adjustment, and will take some time to settle in/stop missing their flock-mates. They may or may not have been paired up with the males, but they were definitely part of that flock. And now they are in a strange place, with strange birds that they have no bond with... so the poor girls are just completely out of their element. Guineas dislike change and don't typically immediately adapt to (or appreciate) a new home, so my advice is to just give them some time. Also depending on their age, if they are young... young Guinea Hens can tend to be more vocal, but my guess is that they are calling for their flock-mates and upset by the change of being re-homed more than anything. As for the annoying noise at daybreak, I'd catch these 2 Hens each night from their roosting spot, put them in the coop, and close the door so you don't have to listen to them until you let them out each AM. Plus you want them to know the coop is home, so the more confinement time they have in there the quicker they should adjust. If your flock is aggressive to/picking on them then they may need to go into a crate or cage in the coop each evening for a while until your flock fully accepts them.

Sorry to read about Bacon and Buckwheat, that's sad

 

[JLeigh]

I had a strange feeling about just getting two from the crate. But by the time it hit me the other two went to 2 different folks and I have no idea where they are. I started with guineas in March of 012 with four all from the same cage. Didn't know much then but realized that they pair up and are really dedicated to one another. Last week I came home to a very heartbreaking scene. My two favorite's Bacon and Buckwheat were killed by a neighbor's dog who tunneled under the fence for the second time. When I found him [Bacon] motionless she was standing next to him like in mourning. She had several wounds and a broken leg and as I approached she staggered away. I caught and and caged her but she passed away a few hours later. I buried them side by side with a connecting post between them and visit them every day. So much for attachment but when your heart is involved we seem to become more receptive to the recipient of the emotion.
Thanks for the responce, Breeze

That's heartbreaking, Breeze. So sorry to hear.

 

[waddle watcher]

To chilling with my peeps.
Thanks for your thoughtful responce. I'm looking at a home to purchase in Mineral Bluff on almost 5 acres. Are you anywhere near there? Kindess regards Breeze