It's always a shock, isn't it, when you find out your sweet, perfect child...or pet...isn't quite as sweet or perfect as you believed?
Alas, we've discovered an aggressive streak in our funny, goofy-looking, sociable guinea fowl Frankie. At first, I just brushed it off when he dashed in and pecked at the back of our legs - maybe it was some weird sign of affection? Or a way he plays?
Maybe it was just a territorial thing. He's a Guard Guinea, after all, but I mean, come on...look how little he is! He couldn't really hurt anyone.
But then, a few weeks ago, Daniel was crouched down, playing with Max when, from no where, Frankie flew in and pecked his cheek. He actually broke the skin!
So...did he think Daniel was hurting Max? Was he jealous? Is it sibling rivalry?
It happened again this week, with my friend Shari. She was getting ready to leave, saying good-bye to Max, and Frankie pecked at her. Then he followed her up to the car...not so unusual, but he kept threatening to peck her the whole way, and even dashed in for one last peck when she was in the car! (Don't you just hate it when your kids/pets embarrass you with such bad behavior?)
Now I hate to say it, because I still like the little guy, but he reminds me of the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz: he won't go after big Men or Max...someone or something that might actually fight back and hurt him (although the Girl probably would by now if I let her - she's been pecked one too many times!)
Goofy damn bird. I wish I knew why he was doing it! What is going on in that little bird-brain? Anyone out there know something about Guinea psychology?
By the way, we didn't get the puppy today. Its foster mother was snowed in by the storm that foiled our camping plans. We have to wait until next weekend. I'm curious to see how she reacts to Frankie and vice-versa...they'll be about the same size. Should be interesting!
Watch these photos...Shari is hugging on Max; he's giving her some 'sweet' kisses...
Frankie zips over there, a blur of feathers...
...he stops and pretends he's just eating a bug or something...
...he glances back over at Shari and Max...
...and he makes a bee-line for Shari's leg! What a little feathered turd!
