OK, I'm not allowed chickens here in town and my DH's orchard is still a dream on that same, non-existent country place where I have to keep my laying hens for now. But information is never useless and I thought I'd ask about something we were pondering.
I have read that chickens are very helpful in the orchard -- protecting the fruit from the various bugs that like the stuff as well as we humans do. I have even seen claims that chickens are more effective at controlling some pests than spraying.
And the information I've gotten about choosing breeds for keeping in small spaces indicates that some of the most visually appealing breeds -- Spangled Hamburgs, Lakenvelders, Fayoumis, and similar smaller, "active", breeds with what I can only call elegant posture and feathering -- don't give off that cuddly, placid, backyard chicken vibe.
I was wondering,
Would the very qualities that make them less desirable as placid pets make them superior orchard guards?
Does anyone use chickens in this way to protect fruit trees? If so, do you find any particular breeds especially effective?
I appreciate any input anyone may have.
I have read that chickens are very helpful in the orchard -- protecting the fruit from the various bugs that like the stuff as well as we humans do. I have even seen claims that chickens are more effective at controlling some pests than spraying.
And the information I've gotten about choosing breeds for keeping in small spaces indicates that some of the most visually appealing breeds -- Spangled Hamburgs, Lakenvelders, Fayoumis, and similar smaller, "active", breeds with what I can only call elegant posture and feathering -- don't give off that cuddly, placid, backyard chicken vibe.
I was wondering,
Would the very qualities that make them less desirable as placid pets make them superior orchard guards?
Does anyone use chickens in this way to protect fruit trees? If so, do you find any particular breeds especially effective?
I appreciate any input anyone may have.
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