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Woo – eeeee! IN comes the cold air tonight. Brrrrrrrrrrr… We’ll be down around -20’C without the wind chill. I’m glad the sun was shining this afternoon to give the jennies a chance to luxuriate in the warmth.
I’ve been away – gathered close with family. Sure is wonderful to be able to spend time with my Dad’s siblings. He has been gone for just under ten years now … and I find being with them brings back his voice and the many good times I had as a young child growing up in their circle.
When I got back to the paddock I discovered Edie had hauled out a great treat for the jennies – two big branches with lots of nibble room. They have been loving them all day. I’ve got the heat lamps on for tonight. I have to keep an eye on Darby … I’m not so sure that she isn’t spooked by the red glow.
The Guineas seem to be feeling the cold as well, even though their coop was at -5’C. I think when the door opens they must really feel the chill. Today I noticed them doing something I have not seen before. They were huddling down into the wood chips … as if they were heating up their feet … I brought them a fresh pile of hay which they love to graze through. I also noticed that Miss Charlie was not eating with the three roosters …? I noticed that before I left too. I hope things haven’t shifted such that she’s being chased and set apart … Being new at this I am not sure what to expect. I’ll likely keep checking the barn cams tonight!
Stay warm!
The Meadow View 
I don’t know what to tell you about the Guinea behavior. We had more than 4, so I think they just worked it out. Love the photos of your Jennys.
Always an education!
Too cold … Miss Charlie is going to suffer if she is the only hen. Keep cozy. Laura
Hmmm… do you mean it would be good if I got another hen or two? Do they stick together – hens? Roosters staying separate?
Or are you thinking – one hen – three roosters – makes one very busy hen? I’m worrying about that possibility too!
I am trying to remember if Guineas are like Ducks and Swans and have one mate for life, do you Know? If not I think she is going to be exhausted by the 3 roosters?
I did read that they mate for life. I thought in the beginning that she and Sir Henry always stayed together. But something has changed in the last week … I will need to keep watching. And reading. I also have friends down the road that have a pretty big flock. Perhaps I’ll need to reinforce our numbers. I don’t think it would be all that wise though in the winter … in small quarters. Hmmm … interesting dilemma!
Hi Wendy,
If it’s any comfort to you – I’ve read that guineas sometimes bully an individual bird, but that the behavior usually tapers of by the time they reach their first year. I have six 9 month old guineas of which only one may be female…..I won’t know until egg-laying starts in the spring. Although I saw some bullying in the past,- it seemed to coincide with what I would call their “teenage stage”. Perhaps your guineas are just now entering that phase. My birds seem to have sorted themselves out and get along quite well now.
THANK YOU Heidi! I was considering tracking down your email this morning to ask your opinion. I DO think they are in the teenage stage … gawky at best. That definitely gives me some hope. I will carry on.