Since we have so many deer ticks around here I’m thinking about building two tractors, one for chickens and the other for Guinea hens. Guineas eat a lot of ticks and they’re great watchdogs. We had about a dozen of them when I was growing up, but they roamed free. They were essentially wild birds that kind of hung around. I’ve heard their eggs are better than hen eggs and the meat is supposed to be really good, too, but we never could catch ours. I’ve since learned that the secret to keeping Guinea hens is to not let more than 1/3rd of the flock out of the pen at any one time. That way, the ones you do let out will go back and roost with the others at sunset.
We’re just moving onto 20 acres in eastern New Mexico, high plaines, shade is a challenge with frequent high winds. The land was cheap, but we have a well, a creek, and are near the Pecos river. Approaching retirement (hah), like most following this thread, want out of the city and some ability to take care of ourselves.
The Guinea hens is a wonderful idea! I was thinking maybe a goose or two, but you know what they’re like!
I love this stuff, don’t you!