I currently have 4 bantam cochin hens and 1 silkie hen, they are all under a year old, but laying. We just purchased 4.5 acres and are going to be moving next spring. Which will also mean I get to have more chickens!!! Our land is pretty wooded around us and close to a state forestry so coyotes, foxes, racoons, hawks, etc. I'd really like to have some chickens that can free range during the day and I am really thinking about maybe 5 or so guineas also. The few times we have been out to the property we come home with lots of the tiny deer ticks on us. I worry about loosing them to predators though There is already a large treehouse/playhouse on the property we will we turning into the coop and i'm not worried about nighttime because they will be secured in there but just during the day. I know its risk but any thoughts/ advice? Also, any advice on what breed or breeds? Ideally I'd like to have them in with our bantams and not have separate coops. We have 3 children, youngest is 7, that help a lot with the chickens so friendliness is a must.
