Garden Guineas

[kristen2678]

I'm considering a couple - maybe 3 - guineas for my garden space. I'd love to let the chickens into the garden for bug control, but they would destroy things in no time. Are guineas as destructive as chickens ??

 

[Quail's Hollar Farm]

I really hate to tell you this but guineas are a lot more destrucive than chickens, trust me I HAD them before, (notice I said had). Guineas are wonderful birds but they don't belong in the garden.

 

[kristen2678]

Well that's depressing. I was under the impression they were easier on the garden once the plants were established. Bummer.

 

[robin416]

Once my plants are well established I open the gate and let them have fun catching bugs. I've seen a couple of tomatoes that might have had scars from an inquisitive beak but they left everything else alone. I have never offered my Guineas any treat other than millet so they do not see my garden as a free for all dining experience.

 

[kristen2678]

Thanks Robin. That's what I was hoping to hear. I'm interested in some bug control and I don't mind any poop they may want to contribute. The less I have to shovel, the better.

 

[Shiloh Acres]

Mine so far are great in the garden. The plants were already huge though. They don't touch the plants and are good at getting grasshoppers. Mine won't eat hornworms though.

Now, they also come into my one ornamental bed (impatiens) and are now big enough to trample the plants. They also eat the flower buds. Fortunately they don't eat buds in the garden or even scratch out there.

I hope it stays that way. I'd planned on ducks in there but right now the guineas are working. I pulled the geese from weeding out there when they got really big.