One year in . . .

[Msufficient]

Hi everyone! Greetings from NJ! I've been raising chickens for almost a year and it's made me the happiest I've ever been. I never gave much thought to posting until this morning. I know this should go into the behavior thread, but I guess this initial posting makes it a "one stone" kind of thing, so here goes. Aside from the chickens, we also have a helmeted guinea. The problem is, the rooster severely damaged his eye last night. The guinea generally lets himself out of the pen in the mornings and he didn't today so I knew something was up. I need the rooster, but am VERY attached to my Wheet-wheet (guinea's name). Not quite sure if the eye is lost, but the lids are swollen shut. He's usually a very gregarious and sweet bird, who can sometimes be a bully, now he's just, meh. Anyone have any ideas about how to help him? Or keep them both peacefully? Also if anyone has a guinea hen that needs a home, I think he needs a companion of his own.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Guinea fowl can bully and harass chickens - particularly this time of year when hormones are high. The rooster was probably just protecting his hens. That's his job. Try applying some ophthalmic ointment or drops to the guinea and house him separately if possible.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! Sorry to hear your Guinea got injured. Sourland has left you some good advice. Fingers crossed he heals ok and you can find a friend for him. I'm sure that would make him very happy.

Wishing you the very best of luck and enjoy BYC

 

[drumstick diva]

Obviously he and your rooster need to be separated. I hope his eye hasn't been badly affected.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[Msufficient]

Thank you for the welcomes and advice everyone! He's still pretty bad, however he has resumed his job of letting me know something is amiss in the yard (that harsh aak aak sound). Funny thing tho, he and the roo have now cuddled up. I caught the roo laying his head on Wheet-wheet. @sourland Catching him is impossible, any ideas how I can get the ointment to his eye? Thanks again, much appreciated!

 

[mlm Mike]

 

[Msufficient]

Update!!!!
Got the ointment, and hubby had the brilliant idea of waiting for Wheet to roost before applying. After some initial hesitation and discomfort, he seemed most greatful and even layed his head in my hand! Fingers crossed! Thank you so much again for all the well wishes and advice!