Earlier this week one of our guinea fowl disappeared, leaving lots of feathers behind, right in our front yard. We believed the guinea was killed and carried away, although we didn't know what animal was to blame. We didn't find a clear feather trail, although it appeared the guinea put up a fight and ran around or was chased in a clearing (not amongst trees), as there was feathers in multiple areas.
And so, I think we have solved this mystery... Although it's not proven yet...
Last night at 9pm we were visited by THREE great horned owls (GHOs). They were ALL AROUND the guinea/chicken area!!! They were hooting back and forth to each other. We could tell there were three because of differences in pitch and location of their calls. One was further away, two were closer. I think two were a mated pair, the other was a neighboring owl. We never got a good look at them, despite the fact that we had a floodlight and were shining it at the trees and through the woods for quite a while. But their calls are unmistakable, they were great horned owls. Previously, we used to see one GHO often about a quarter mile away down the dirt road hunting over the open field near the woodpiles. I guess he/she found a mate and found a source of food (guinea fowl) for their babies.
I've done some research, and it appears many people say GHO have killed their chickens and guineas. The GHO use their strong talons to lift killed prey far heavier than themselves. One person said they were from 20 guineas down to 5 because of GHOs. Here's a link to this info, and it even includes a photo of a GHO someone caught in a live trap.
Here's another link to a GHO killing guineas : http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/987505/
January and early February is mating time for the GHO. The female lays two to three eggs. She will raise only one family each year. Both the male and female incubate the eggs and provide food for the owlets. The eggs hatch in about four weeks. So, this means our GHO family is raising and feeding two to three babies right now.
We have been keeping a very close eye outside these days and nights, and have NOT seen any fox this week whatsoever. I had previously believed the missing guinea was due to a fox, but I've now changed my mind. My money is on the great horned owl family. Sorry, Terry at Moondance Ranch, I know you had said a GHO couldn't carry away a guinea, but I'm thinking maybe it IS possible after all!
12 comments:
I'm with you. My money's on the GHOs. By now, their families have hatched (they breed pretty early) and the little guys have to be fed. What can you do to protect your guineas?
Lynn, GHO are such amazing creatures. I'm sorry they're trying to raise their brood by carrying off your guineas. Like Ronna said, can you do anything to protect the guineas?
Oh no, not owls! Do you think your guineas will be safe in their new sleeping area?
If worst came to worst, I suppose you could catch them all by hand once it was dark and put them in the chicken house. But knowing guineas, that would take hours. :-p
This is not good news, any way you can round the guineas up and put them somewhere safe? (The coop?)
Owls are excellent hunters and my guineas seem almost paralyzed at night.
So sorry to hear about the loss. I'm so excited because I have a GHO nesting in my pasture, but my birds are penned, so I don't have to worry about that. Hope you find a solution that keeps everyone safe.
I'm so sorry for your loss, but am relieved most likely you've figured out who the culprit is. I'm curious to know why the guineas are kept in a "guinea coop" at night?
I left my comment without first reading other's comments . . . I guess several of us wonder the same thing!
Did I say not guilty? Er, ah, I meant guilty.
Wow, there were three GHO's hanging around close enough you could hear them! First I have to say, very cool!!!! Secondly, not cool for the flock.
The birds of prey are truly out and about. Today I counted at least ten red tailed hawks circling the field across the road. Then three of them came over here and circled. Thankfully the chickens all took cover asap.
Still sending protective thoughts for your flock.
Oh I definitely vote Great Horned Owls. They can take down surprisingly large prey! Poor guineas, I hope you find a solution.
I didn't know Barred owls ate goldfish until I saw one hanging out by our goldfish pond out west. Then I noticed all our nice big fish were disappearing on a nightly basis. Then I read that yes, Barred owls DO eat goldfish. :)
great googley moogley! that is amazing... sorry about that bruhaha. we can hear the owls in our woods but we shove all the poultry in at nite. so far no losses.
i'm watching Criminal Minds.. they are talking about the unsubs.. but not owls.
;-)
Oh yea My spouse and i absolutely vote Fantastic Horned Owls. They are able to defeat amazingly huge prey! Poor guineas, I really hope you get a remedy.
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