Guinea fowl are rarely seen among domestic farmers. Perhaps the reasons for this are the late domestication of this bird and its homeland - distant Africa. However, about 20 new breeds have already been bred. The delicate taste of meat and cholesterol-free eggs give these birds the right to be called a new promising poultry, which, moreover, brings benefits by destroying pests in gardens. Many farmers ask Do guinea fowl eat adult Colorado potato beetles? and their larvae.
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Do guinea fowl eat Colorado potato beetles?
The diet of these funny birds includes grains, fresh green grass, insects and small animals. Free range and access to pasture are also required.They gather in flocks and explore the territory for food. They can eat worms, centipedes, locusts and even mice. But guinea fowl consider Colorado beetles to be a special delicacy, due to their bright, noticeable color and large concentration in one place.
Beetles cause enormous damage to potatoes, reducing profits from their sales and the taste of the root crop. A flock of guinea fowl on the farm will save the farmer from two problems at once: the harvest will be saved, and the wards will always be well-fed.
How to properly use birds to eliminate pests?
If one of the flock finds a Colorado, he emits a loud cry, calling his companions to a feast. When a guinea fowl notices a beetle, it lowers its head into the thicket of the plant and examines the prey with interest.
The larger the land area, the more feathered fighters will be required. In addition to the fact that birds eat adult beetles, they also destroy larvae of any age, carefully examining the leaves and stems of the potato bush.
Unlike other birds (chickens, turkeys, partridges), guinea fowls do not dig up the soil at the base of stems and do not damage plant leaves when looking for food. But when letting birds into the garden, you need to remember about safety. Plants should not be treated with insect poison 2 weeks before the intended “cleaning”.
Guinea fowl will also eat chemicals along with beetles. At best, this will cause intestinal upset, at worst, it will lead to death.
In order for birds to successfully cope with potato pests, they need to be “trained.” To do this, they begin to add beetles and larvae to the food a few days before grazing, so that the birds understand the value of the delicacy and remember its appearance.
