Free ranging without lockup?

[trumpeting_angel]

Guineas have to be carefully trained to stay around, otherwise they wander off and live in the trees, making themselves quite vulnerable to owls, especially. It’s not that they aren’t bright. They are not as domesticated as chickens, and their habits are perfected by evolution to the environment they evolved to live in.

I don’t have anything to add about your chicken and steer dilemma. Others here know much more than I do.

 

[floppysquirrel04]

Yeah, I’m not sure how much effort they put into them I know they let them out if their cage at 6 weeks or so, but then that was it.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I researched guineas because we need tick control. I saw people let them out of the run only a few at a time for a period of time, because of the whole flock isn’t out, the few won’t fly away. I read stories of whole flocks flying across town to live somewhere else.

Finally decided guineas we’re not the birds to learn on! I’m learning in 4 chickens instead.

They are entertaining if you and your neighbors don’t mind the noise.

 

[varidgerunner]

Get some game chickens. Way better for stall cleanup than guineas. But have a plan for when they overpopulate. They will, despite predators.

 

[Chickassan]

I second this.
Gamebirds roost high enough to be fairly safe.
Fat barnyard laying hens though would be snacks in no time.

Get some game chickens. Way better for stall cleanup than guineas. But have a plan for when they overpopulate. They will, despite predators.

 

[cmom]

Coyotes are everywhere even if you don't see them. Put up a few game cameras is some chosen spots and you might be surprised at the predators that roam, especially at night.