Every summer resident who plants potatoes is looking for ways to combat pests that can destroy the crop. Many people get those who eat the Colorado potato beetle. A natural enemy will help fight the scourge, without the use of chemicals.
Enemies from America
Attempts by scientists to adapt insects from the continent to the necessary climatic conditions did not lead to a positive result. Bugs: Podisus and Picromerus, could not take root in our area. And their seasonal breeding is extremely expensive and impractical.Therefore, farmers began to look for possible options for fighters among birds that live freely in the harsh climatic conditions of Russia.
Natural enemies among our insects
In nature, everything is harmoniously interconnected, some insects feed on others. However, in Russia there are practically no natural enemies of the Colorado potato beetle. But the common ladybug and lacewing still feed on them. There are very few of them and the level of assistance in exterminating the pest is very low. Therefore, all hope lies in the birds.
Who eats the Colorado potato beetle?
Wild and domestic birds living close to humans often eat beetles and their larvae. The main thing is that breeding them at home is a more environmentally friendly way to exterminate the pest. It does not harm human health and the environment.
Who eats Colorado potato beetles:
- The easiest birds to raise and the most effective fighters are guinea fowl. Breeding them does not require much effort. They peck insects directly from the bush. And the most important thing is that, unlike chickens, they do not rake the beds and do not harm other plantings on the plots. They have dietary meat. They lay eggs that are hypoallergenic and do not cause reactions in children or adults. The Colorado potato beetle is a delicacy for the guinea fowl, like other insects that are found on the site. By teaching them to move freely around the area, you can clear it of many pests.
- The next bird that lives at home is the turkey. Just like guinea fowl, he willingly feeds on beetles directly from plants. But growing it is much more difficult. He gets sick often, little turkey poults are very tender. Therefore, caring for them requires a lot of attention and care. Otherwise, turkeys are very organized.They do not rake the beds, they feed on all sorts of insects, being a kind of orderlies for the site.
- Pheasants and partridges are wild birds that take a lot of work to raise. As for partridges, they are adapted to harsh climates. They are not very demanding regarding strict adherence to the rules of maintenance. They gain weight quickly, their meat is very tasty. The areas will definitely need to be closed. Because pheasants and partridges can easily fly away. And they never come back. If you leave them out for a walk, you shouldn’t leave them unattended; they trample down the plantings. In addition to the Colorado potato beetle, they perfectly destroy other pests that harm various crops.
- Domestic chickens. Only selected individuals, or those that have previously been trained from a young age, can exterminate the pest.
Which birds eat beetles best and are easiest to breed? The answer is ambiguous, different for each person. Everything will depend on the gardener himself, his desires and aspirations.
How to train chickens to eat bugs?
Insect damages potatoes, an important condition for many summer residents is the destruction of bugs without the use of chemicals. I want the harvest to remain clean and not harm health.
It is not always possible to have birds that eat Colorado potato beetles. Therefore, farmers began to train domestic chickens to eat insects. To do this, starting from 3 weeks of age, chopped tops or grated root vegetables were mixed into the regular food so that the babies got used to the smell of potatoes.
After the chickens had been fed this food for 7–14 days, insects were added. The beetles are crushed and the larvae are left whole. Those birds that feed on pests become accustomed to their taste and smell from a young age.
Free range birds
If a summer resident raises guinea fowl or turkey poults on his property, then he can let them out to graze freely from the age of 3 months. There is no need to be afraid that they will harm the area; they peck insects and do not tear up the ground.
It is necessary to trim the wings, because these birds are capable of flying.
An important condition why these birds are kept everywhere in Russia on farm plots and personal lands is their adaptability to harsh weather conditions.
Growing potatoes involves constant pest control. Every gardener wants to add as few chemicals as possible. Many, worried about their own health, are looking for ways to solve this problem. Raising birds at home that feed on insects is an excellent way out of the situation.
