This is not a question, but is something that I hope will help someone. I was reminded of it as I was responding to a thread earlier today.
I have a friend who had guinea fowl for a long time. He let them run around his yard, and they roosted on the roof of the well house. To be sure, they were noisy, cackling in the most horrendous manner every evening, but the benefits were worth it (as long as neighbors don't complain about the noise).
Guineas eat bugs. My friend had plants in several places in his yard, and, like I said, the guinea roamed freely. He never had a bug problem. Here's an example:
One year, there was a great squash bug infestation in our area, spreading over at least a twenty mile area. They totally decimated my squash. In one of my visits to my friend's house, I mentioned the bug invasion that had just passed. He knew nothing of it. He had not had one leaf harmed by squash bugs. He had had a good squash harvest. The only other person in the area with similar luck was one who put coffee grounds around the plants to deter the pest.
I understand that they eat most any bug, and may also eat slugs - and bees, so you might want to keep that in mind.
If you (and your neighbors, if you have close ones) can stand their loud, obnoxious sounds, they'd be an excellent bird to let loose in gardens. I'd wait until the plants are big enough for the birds not to step on them and flatten them, but that isn't based on any experience I have - just my own thoughts on the matter.
I have a friend who had guinea fowl for a long time. He let them run around his yard, and they roosted on the roof of the well house. To be sure, they were noisy, cackling in the most horrendous manner every evening, but the benefits were worth it (as long as neighbors don't complain about the noise).
Guineas eat bugs. My friend had plants in several places in his yard, and, like I said, the guinea roamed freely. He never had a bug problem. Here's an example:
One year, there was a great squash bug infestation in our area, spreading over at least a twenty mile area. They totally decimated my squash. In one of my visits to my friend's house, I mentioned the bug invasion that had just passed. He knew nothing of it. He had not had one leaf harmed by squash bugs. He had had a good squash harvest. The only other person in the area with similar luck was one who put coffee grounds around the plants to deter the pest.
I understand that they eat most any bug, and may also eat slugs - and bees, so you might want to keep that in mind.
If you (and your neighbors, if you have close ones) can stand their loud, obnoxious sounds, they'd be an excellent bird to let loose in gardens. I'd wait until the plants are big enough for the birds not to step on them and flatten them, but that isn't based on any experience I have - just my own thoughts on the matter.
