Guard Turkey?

[BlueJayFarm]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely do so. I'd like to have one of my broodies hatch them. I'll have to look into it and see if that's a good idea.

 

[pepperpeeps87]

The one thing I can say about guineas, realize these birds originate from Africa. They are VERY GOOD at sounding off VERY VERY LOUD (cannot stress that enough) alarms. My cousin raised about 10 guineas and yes, they're good for pest control (most domestic birds are in my opinion) just be prepared to be woken up very early when they hear a twig snap. I've never actually observed them with actual hawk overhead, but they will definitely in the LOUDEST WAY possible, alert every bird within at minimum a mile radius of the hawks.

 

[BlueJayFarm]

The one thing I can say about guineas, realize these birds originate from Africa. They are VERY GOOD at sounding off VERY VERY LOUD (cannot stress that enough) alarms. My cousin raised about 10 guineas and yes, they're good for pest control (most domestic birds are in my opinion) just be prepared to be woken up very early when they hear a twig snap. I've never actually observed them with actual hawk overhead, but they will definitely in the LOUDEST WAY possible, alert every bird within at minimum a mile radius of the hawks.

A mile, wow!! That is loud. Yikes. Well, I think I'll go for it anyways. This March or April I'm planning on hatching 3-5. Our neighbors didn't complain when I had 7 roosters (but my husband sure did!), so hopefully this will be okay... Fingers crossed!

 

[pepperpeeps87]

Don't get me wrong, they're cool birds just sayin a bit noisy lol

 

[chknoodles]

Don't get me wrong, they're cool birds

just sayin a bit noisy lol

We have eight...and OMG..loud..YES. And because they are all in separate runs, except the ones we have paired up right now for breeding, when one starts...they all start. Like a competition between them to see who can be the loudest and go the longest!!!

 

[pepperpeeps87]

when one starts...they all start.  Like a competition between them to see who can be the loudest and go the longest!!!

Yea I remember that! Lol I know pea fowl can be loud but I think they sound kinda cool, you're definitely spot on about the "when one starts" thing. Just sayin' if you're husband complains about roosters crowing you may want to reconsider, or you may have a few birds on the table sooner than later....

 

[pepperpeeps87]

If you're looking for protection from hawks, even with the guineas check out this article about 'chicken cobwebs'. It's a technique to keep hawks out of your chicken yard and a meat story to boot! http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/chicken-hawks-zmaz80mjzraw.aspx

 

[pepperpeeps87]

*neat

 

[FowlPrincess]

Apparently I have a guard Turkey! I just heard a turkey "ruckus" in the yard I had not heard before. I ran out and a bobcat had one of my chickens and my 6 month old Tom was giving him hell while the rest of the mixed flock hid in the corner! I know he couldn't have fought him off but he sure gave me warning enough to scare the **** out of the bobcat and scare him off without his dinner! Good boy Teddy turkey!

 

[Turkeytruff]

late reply but what a good turkey!!!