Should I be worried? Escapee!!!

[TallJ]

We let the chickens and guineas out of the coop for the first time today. We waited till later in the day (6:30 ish) thinking they would have a little while to explore their new yard and then go in to roost. Well, long story short, all the chickens and almost all the guineas followed the plan. But one guinea literally flew the coop. I tried to get it out of the tree it went in, but it was a futile attempt. They have been in the coop for a couple weeks, w/o outside access (the fencing has not gone well), with the back top vent open, so they have had SOME exposure to cool evening temps. It is supposed to be 59 tonight, and the guinea is all alone in that tree. I DO plan to eventually free range them, but I am just concerned that this kid is all alone in the world out there! I did try to get it down, but it's claws are wrapped tight, and it wants nothing to do with me. Do you think it will be ok?!?!?!?!???????

 

[loveourbirds]

it should be fine, my biggest fear would be predator attack. being a guinea it may fly further.

 

[PeepsCA]

How old are the Guineas? They can't regulate their own body temps until they are at least 6 weeks old, or a little older if they were raised on a lower protein starter feed (they should be raised on high protein starter and then grower feeds tho). So it may get chilled overnight without the body heat of the rest of the flock.

Hopefully it will come down out of the tree today and you can put it back with the other birds in the coop this evening. If not and you can reach it/get to it again, pry those claws loose! Unless you want that Guinea and then eventually the rest of the flock roosting in the trees where predators can get them I'd nip that bad habit in the bud right away.

 

[TallJ]

I was very concerned this morning. Guinea was MIA till after lunch, but now back in the run with the others. They are about 3 months old. Hopefully everyone will roost in the coop tonight!