Why do we love them so much?

[TarheelBirdy]

Why do we love the keets like we do?

Unlike our dogs, cats, horses and even chickens, guinea keets never, no matter what we do, no matter the amount of attention it takes to raise them, bond with us. They run and flail with panic every time we put our hand near them, despite the fact that we feed them, keep them warm, and keep them safe, no matter how many times a day. Yet we adore them....the way the new keets peck at food from the first sight of it......the way they fuss at each other when they want to rest together.....the way they try their tiny wings and how they dart around just for practice. We love the beautiful markings on their tiny heads, and we somehow take credit for how fast they grow. Our hearts swell when we hear the first "Buckwheat!" And yet, every day is another reminder of how strongly they feel that we are strangers with good food. When they are adults, we feel they belong to us....we watch their courtships and dramas and their battles with the ghost of other guineas in shiny wheels and mirrors. We call, "Here Guinea, Guinea, Guinea!" And they come running for their food, but never a closer degree of familiarity. And yet we love them.

We're a big ole pack of Suckers.

 

[cracking up]

They do more for us than just eat bugs. Somehow they make it feel like home, sort of like a cat that just comes up and looks like 'where's my food?' and you just feel good to be acknowledged by them. They don't run up but just go about their business and you catch a glimpse now and then. It makes me feel good.

 

[TarheelBirdy]

I agree. When I pull up in the driveway at the end of the day and I see my Guineas (and do the automatic headcount), I feel like "I'm home." I can't explain it.

 

[tomingreeneco]

Mine follow me around whenever I am on the tractor and of course always get in my way. Would not have it any other way.

 

[PeepsCA]

Quote:
Ohhhhh I'm so glad I'm not the only one that does the head count thingie, lol.

 

[darkmatter]

 

[perchie.girl]

I know why I do. Because I have no expectations from them. They are what they are.... I Anthropomorphize by writing from their point of view for entertainment value, but I do know that they are little Alien beings that have only themselves for a frame of references. I am curious about their nature and love watching their own experiences with the world.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I've haven't had the pleasure of keets yet, but I am loving my adults! Gilbert has been with me 10 weeks now & since I brought the other 6 home, he lets me get a lot closer. The six adults have learned fast in the last week. Gilbert taught them to love millet & they have figured out how to go into the coop all by themselves. Can't wait until 6 or so more weeks when I can try to let them free range.