guinne (sp) hen

You didn't offend at all Out here in our small town, the hens are like dogs. Almost everyone has 'em...running a close second to our state bird, the skeeter :P

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You can say any foolish thing to a dog and the dog will give you a look
that says "My God you're right! I never would've thought of that!"
-- Sean Connery --

Ok, first off, I wasn't talking about you. Someone said something to the effect of god blessed them with this creature... blah blah blah. So why even comment if it wasn't you who said it? And clearly, people were sounding hostile, because Tom is feeling sorry he ever posted the question. (Ignore the numbnuts Tom.)

Second, don't talk to me about respect right after you call me chippy.

And third, I'll capitalize god when everyone else starts capitalizing goddess. lol.

sorry. ive started somethihg i shouldnd have.
just wanted info.
bye tom

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to understand reality,one must define the concept of fantasy

Poor Tom... I hope he doesn't feel so bad that he doesn't come back.

Hey Tom! You get yourself back here right now, ya hear? You didn't start anything other than an honest question and request information.

You ought to post on the poultry forum. There are a lot of nice folks there that are more than willing to help with lots of information. Besides, some of us are now curious as to how you're going to handle the situation.

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The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.
Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed. -- Sir Francis Bacon

1. Wait until critter is within a reasonable range.

2. Sight along barrel or through scope of either small-bore rifle or shotgun.
In the case of a long-necked bird, a head shot is preferable. Gun will be steadier if rested or supported on something solid.

3. Scan background to be sure all is safe and clear of bystanders.

4. Release safety and take up slack on the trigger. Squeeze trigger steadily until gun fires.

5. Take shovel or garbage bag and dispose of Carcass.

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"The most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." - Sir Isaac Newton
(A REAL scientist)

Tom - you must be kind of new here, you didn't start a problem, just an interesting topic !

Let us know how it all turns out, if you are able to catch it, and how - sometimes they just disappear, especially if there is only one. Being alone is not a natural state for a guinea fowl!

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[COLOR="Blue"]Expect Little - That way you will be seldom disappointed.../COLOR]

Easiest way to catch the guinea will be to accustom it to entering a stall, shed, or other enclosed space for feed. This may take some time; they're not the brightest critters around and they take awhile to learn to associate a place with food. They may never learn to associate a human with food -- I'm convinced they're almost pure instinct, very little memory or learning ability. I'd still like to know how people coop train guineas for shows ...

Once they're going into the shed for feed, shut the door.

CATCHING the guinea even in an enclosed space will be a challenge. Be sure to cover any windows so the bird doesn't try to fly through them -- either the window will break, or the guinea will.

Wear gloves, pin the guinea to the ground, grab the feet in one hand to keep from being scratched, and tuck the guinea under your arm. Don't try to carry the guinea by the legs, as others have noted. Be prepared for a fight -- they will fight to the point of injuring themselves and they DON'T give up like a chicken will. Watch the wings and the claws; consider wearing safety glasses. I've been whacked in the eye by a guinea's wing and ended up with a scratched eyeball -- not fun.

For transport, put the guinea into a pillowcase or feed bag. Don't use a wire cage on a full grown guinea -- they make break their necks trying to fly through the wire. If you DO use a wire cage, cover it with a blanket. But I truthfully recommend a pillowcase; it gives and the guinea's less likely to break its neck.

(Guineas are remarkably good at finding ways to kill themselves.)

THe other method that I've used to catch guineas is to chase the guinea along a fenceline into a wire cage, then immediately extract the guinea and stuff it in a pillow case. The secret to this method is to get the guinea going so fast it runs right into the cage full tilt; I've got a dog I use for stampeding guineas at guinea-roundup time.

To add to the list of thing that guineas eat -- I've watched mine eat black widow spiders. They also harass snakes.

Leva

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If you do decide to follow Boleyz' advice......skip #5 or change it to: Take and pluck and clean the carcass, wash and prepare it for cooking; then eat like a king! All dark meat and very tasty.

thanks for all the info. i would love to eat it but as i said b4 out of the 8 of us only a few will eat any type of venision.
and no am not leaving the forum/website. i am a hunter and do eat venision. we just dont want it here. thanx again
tom

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to understand reality,one must define the concept of fantasy

that is so strange, we have 8 young ones and i was cleaning there cage, about 2 weeks ago and one escaped, (i wonder if there is a portal under my house)

lol. i mean 6 kids (4 girls2 boys) and 2 parents

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to understand reality,one must define the concept of fantasy

Venison??? That's deer, right? What does that have to do with a guinea?

We got our first three guineas last September. We bought them as our first experience with poultry, and figured they'd help control bugs around the yard. By the end of the third month of having them, the neighbor's dog had managed to kill two of them. The lone hen adopted one of the goats as her new partner and would sit on her back. It was cute.
Unfortunately the bird met its fate in our stew pot. It was pecking the goat kids' privates bloody raw, and just would not leave them alone.
We found the easiest way to catch the guinea hen was to grab it after dark. They are reluctant to fly when they can't see. I do suggest using a towel, they are strong little buggers for such a small bird, and will scratch with those sharp claws. Well, I caught the nasty bird, DH offed the head, and left me to do the rest. My first time butchering anything. The bird dressed out nicely. I chilled the meat overnight, then put it in the crock pot with some celery,potatoes,carrots, and onions w/garlic. Very good, and nice+lean.
Guineas are bred by many for their meat, they are not just bug-eating lawn ornaments. If you don't want it hanging around, and don't want to eat it, put up a notice at the local feed store. " Free guinea hen-- Catch it and it's yours! Please, take it away!"

The word venison can be used for any wild meat,but it's more commonly used to describe deer.