Wednesday, May 19, 2010

A question about predators

I went out this morning and found 7 or 8 guinea eggs spread about the pen. They were broken perfectly in half, not shattered. The insides were gone but the shells were in good shape, just open. What could have done this?

I think I have a guinea that has gone broody and that whatever broke open the eggs must have chased her off the nest last night. I will move her to a safe location today. Just wondering what may have gotten the eggs and if I need to worry about it getting the chickens.

11 comments:

sunset pines farm said...

That's so odd. I wonder if it was crows-they will sometimes go after the eggs of a broody bird and eat them. But cracked perfectly in half? I will stay tuned as you find your answer.

Carla said...

My first thought was raccoon. They pick up eggs in their 'hands' and crack them, just like a human. It could be that the guinea was able to get off them before getting attacked herself.

Gayle said...

You have far more critters to contend with than I do so I can't be of any help. I wish you luck in figuring it out and hopefully you won't lose any hens.

Gail said...

coon, possums, skunks...take your pick.

Teresa said...

My first inclination would be raccoons. Do you have a live trap? I bet you could find out that way.

Melody said...

I thought of a racoon too. And I think you'll always have to worry about chicks: cats like chicks, snakes like chicks..... Good luck!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

My first thought is that the eggs hatched and you probably have guinea chicks tucked away somewhere.

When my chicks hatch their eggs are always cracked cleanly in half.

~Lisa

Christy said...

Lisa, huh. I hadn't thought of that. Where might they be? I saw all 5 guineas out and about today and no keets. I'll look for that tomorrow. I did find 8 eggs on the nest after the guinea got up today.

My first thought was raccoons too.

Anonymous said...

Raccoons or more likely posums.
We have more problems with opossums than anything (besides snakes!) eating eggs around here.

Also weasels, fox, skunks, love eggs.
Pam

Razzberry Corner said...

Oh, I hope you have keets! Keep us informed!

Jennifer said...

oooh more babies.. :) If you find them and there are babies- we wanna see them too..