Posted on 05/29/2012 6:24:26 PM PDT by Salamander
Prayers for a lost pet
I am so sorry for your loss. I know wherefore you speak regarding pets. I had an occasion last year of two of my pets getting out. One was gone for a day, one for 4 days. Another pet died of old age later in the year. I grieved for the pet that died, but got better over time. But the two that ran away was agony. Not knowing if they were hungry, hurt, thirsty, if they were looking for me was hell. I know the word closure gets bandied about a lot, but closure is a good feeling.
Any news?
.
Guineas are good little tick hunters, y’say?
Aren’t they sort of noisy birds, or am I getting them mixed up with something else?
I’ve been debating with myself as to whether I should raise my owm protein. Birds give both eggs and meat, but I’d like something tougher and sassier than plain ole yardbirds. (Umm, I love having the black snake(s) around the property, but I’m afraid of them finding an easy meal in the coop.)
And yeah, I just wanted to check in & see if Alice had decided to make nice with Mommy.
I’m probably not the only one who is wondering how the search is going. Any updates??
Great tick hunters, great watch “dogs”which is why some might consider them “noisy”.
They’re less prone to predation because thy can actually fly and roost in trees.
Totally cool birds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guineafowl
And no, Alice has not resurfaced.
No.
Still missing.
:(
I know what you mean.
Not knowing is killing me.
Guineas are both good tick hunters and accomplished noise makers. The hens have a sweet, “come back, come back” or “buck wheat, buck wheat” call, but the BOYS. The boys cut loose with this machine gun “ACK ACK ACK ACK!!!” alarm yell that will rattle windows. Guineas are very aware of any change in their environment. They yell bloody murder if their people wear or carry anything of which they do not approve, like a floppy hat or umbrella. They easily recognize strange humans and are as quick as a dog to announce those strangers.
Guinea fowl are far closer to their wild african relatives than are most domestic chickens to the jungle fowl from which they developed. Therefore, guineas are far harder to catch or to treat for injuries or illness. If you catch one you will get bitten and/or flogged (quite painfully) with their wings if you don’t know what you’re doing.
On another note, I, too am wondering about the whereabouts of our missing snake, but I figure when Sal finds him she’ll let us know.
“They yell bloody murder if their people wear or carry anything of which they do not approve, like a floppy hat or umbrella.”
Gee...so do I.
[probably why I like ‘em so much]
If I had good news, I’d be screaming it from the rooftops.
Every day that goes by and I don’t, I feel guilty for not having it to share with everyone who’s been so kind.
Now I pray for y’alls’ sake, that he does come home.
The sweet, soft calls of the guinea fowl < /evil laugh>:
The female: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5GnmSg0ct4&feature=fvwrel
And the males: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_B2lMEyBsk
Other than this little, er, trait, they’re great!
It’s what they do & they are the Best! Your beautiful boy is every bit as loved & valued as anyone there.
I checked in to see &...still no Mr Alice :-( But these things take time. I know every day makes you more afraid & in a way, weaker (which is why I suggested the prayer angels) I feared that more than anything & wanted “back up”.
I’m still praying, too, Salamander. Hang in there.
ps I think the thermal camera idea is a good one, too. And maybe a pest control could help you find him?
Hmmm Does your local tv station do any animal stories? Twitter has an amber alert hashtag for pets. In fact, if you google “amber alert for pets”, there’s quite a few hits (including that).
pps Have Y’All been in the attic yet? Maybe there’s something important there & Alice is the only way you’ll go.
Funny thing...they make that sweet, soft noise while still in the shell.
It’s a rockin’ and rollin’ thing! :)
I come back to check the thread hoping for good news.
I know how hard it is for you not knowing where he is.
I am a firm believer in positive thoughts.
I really believe that he is some where in your house and you will find him when least expected. I base that on the behavior of the “uninvited” not so tame guys that have slipped into my place. They seem to show up at night when I’m on my way to a late night bathroom trek.
My prayers are still with you, and I’ll keep checking for good news.
When he does show up...spank his fanny. Do snakes have fannies? But I’m sure you will be so glad to see him it will be a lovefest.
Checking back in for great justice.
That’s funny...I’ve asked hubby the same thing...do snakes have butts so I can kick his?
If I see him again, I’m going to super happy, cry a lot and -then- be furious.
And then he’ll go into a new house that Houdini couldn’t escape.
Just to prove a ‘personality point’, my Bumblebee ball python, Ozzy is now living in Alice’s house and he is wildly happy to have such a wonderful home.
~Ozzy~ is grateful for it.
A thermal camera won’t work because ‘ectothermic’ snakes assume the exact same temperature as whatever their surroundings are, unlike mammals which self regulate their temps.
Pest control couldn’t get into the walls or under the floors any better than I can.
He’s got to find his way out on his own.
I’m resigned to that, now.
God bless you for keeping us in your prayers.
I did get a couple of personal emails from some people on that website who said “I HATE snakes but will pray anyway”.
I’m not sure how to answer them.
I kinda suspect Alice wasn’t very “popular” on that prayer list.
Thanks for the involuntary giggle.
:)
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