We live in northern Ohio, woods, field crops of alfalfa and grain, bees and blueberries - I am looking for a fowl to naturalize that won't eat crops. Do the guinea hens fly - could I put a fence around the bee hives to protect the bees or would they eat them up in the field? Does anybody know if the muscovies eat gypsy moth? Would you reccomend these breeds or some others? Thank you for your help.
guineas
Guineas sound like the best choice here. Yes, both guinea hens and roosters fly. I have not personally seen a guinea devour a bee, but I suppose it is possible since they are a bug-eating bird! They typically do not disturb plants though (good for the blueberries and other plants). They may eat the grain if it falls on the ground though... Have not heard anything about muscovies eating gypsy moths.
I would listen to CJR as she knows enough to make all of us look a little less than smart. If she says they will not eat bees then it is true. I have followed her faithfully on everything she says and lo and behold that ends up being the correct thing. SO if she says they are ok then thats the way it is.
Hi, I've read that guineas will sit at the hive and eat the bees as they leave and enter the hive. That means they must be right near the opening. I think your idea about a fence around the hive would probably work. Make sure they can't fly over the top of the fence and get at the hive from inside. Check the website 'Gardening with Guineas' and you could find out there or write to the lady whose site it is and find out for sure.
By Mamahen on Friday, August 25, 2000 - 08:46 pm:
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