We're wondering what animals are most ideal to have for gardeners? We are not interested in meat or eggs, mainly just in fertilizer, bug/pest control, etc. We currently have two goats, so I believe we are covered with fertilizer since goats are supposed to be one of the best. I hear chickens can be very damaging to gardens. Are there any other types of poultry that might be ideal (ducks, turkeys, etc.) ???
Best animals to have in a garden?
- Thread starter minou33
- Start date
I don't know about ducks or turkeys, but do you want them in the garden full-time? Our garden used to be overrun with stink bugs, as well as many other damaging insects. So we put our chicks in the garden every day for about an hour, and pretty soon those good little chicks cleared the garden of stink bugs. We never saw them (stink bugs) in there again.
We have also put chicks in the garden for other types of insects, and they did just as good of a job. I don't know about full-grown chickens though. Our older chickens aren't allowed in the garden.
You said you have goats, and they, as you already know, are great for clearing brush, and fertilizing, but of course, not for clearing insects.
We have also put chicks in the garden for other types of insects, and they did just as good of a job. I don't know about full-grown chickens though. Our older chickens aren't allowed in the garden.
You said you have goats, and they, as you already know, are great for clearing brush, and fertilizing, but of course, not for clearing insects.
My chickens won't touch a stink bug or a potato bug.
phillip26
In the Brooder
- Feb 27, 2016
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Guinea fowl are good to let in a garden they seem to only eat the bugs and leave the plants alone
This is just a thought but if you have a problem with a particular pest you could perhaps research on natural predators for it?
For example Lady Bugs are a gardeners best friends, especially when it comes to aphids. So much so that you can even buy them. Maybe there is a critter you can help attract for problems common in your area?
You could also try attracting more birds. That probably wouldn't be best if you have berries or grains growing, but fine- in my experience- for a vegetable garden. Other than that I might try what the others have said, letting poultry in for a short time. I have heard great things about Guineas in comparison to the other birds but how destructive any of them are tends to be different per flock. My chickens won't eat any bugs so they would be horrible in a garden.
For example Lady Bugs are a gardeners best friends, especially when it comes to aphids. So much so that you can even buy them. Maybe there is a critter you can help attract for problems common in your area?
You could also try attracting more birds. That probably wouldn't be best if you have berries or grains growing, but fine- in my experience- for a vegetable garden. Other than that I might try what the others have said, letting poultry in for a short time. I have heard great things about Guineas in comparison to the other birds but how destructive any of them are tends to be different per flock. My chickens won't eat any bugs so they would be horrible in a garden.
Muscovy Ducks
Pros
Weed control, pest control, poop is not "hot" melts quickly into the soil and wading pool water can be reused on flowers. They dont scratch. Muscovy breed spends less time in water and only needs container large enough to fully dip head in. They do like to stay clean and are happier with a container they can bath in. Stock tanks with drains that hoses can be attached to are ideal.
Cons
Lettuce and veggies will need short net fence protection. They noodle, drill holes in mud with bills. Drainage around water container has to be thought out. Can break stems walking over plants. Poop on sidewalks and patios.
Only works if you have a large area with a lot of plants and only a few ducks. Many ducks in a small area equals bare dirt.
Pros
Weed control, pest control, poop is not "hot" melts quickly into the soil and wading pool water can be reused on flowers. They dont scratch. Muscovy breed spends less time in water and only needs container large enough to fully dip head in. They do like to stay clean and are happier with a container they can bath in. Stock tanks with drains that hoses can be attached to are ideal.
Cons
Lettuce and veggies will need short net fence protection. They noodle, drill holes in mud with bills. Drainage around water container has to be thought out. Can break stems walking over plants. Poop on sidewalks and patios.
Only works if you have a large area with a lot of plants and only a few ducks. Many ducks in a small area equals bare dirt.
I've decided that if I ever get ducks, it would be Muscovy. That or Campbell. Maybe both. Just shoot me now for having such thoughts. Some thoughts best not confessed in front of hubby.
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well said!!!!Muscovy Ducks
Pros
Weed control, pest control, poop is not "hot" melts quickly into the soil and wading pool water can be reused on flowers. They dont scratch. Muscovy breed spends less time in water and only needs container large enough to fully dip head in. They do like to stay clean and are happier with a container they can bath in. Stock tanks with drains that hoses can be attached to are ideal.
Cons
Lettuce and veggies will need short net fence protection. They noodle, drill holes in mud with bills. Drainage around water container has to be thought out. Can break stems walking over plants. Poop on sidewalks and patios.
Only works if you have a large area with a lot of plants and only a few ducks. Many ducks in a small area equals bare dirt.
I only want the muscovy. Quiet. good for eggs and good mothers; good meat duck. Did I say QUIET??
double post
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triple post lol funky software today
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