I would like to get in the organic orchard business (on a small scale) and I am wondering if anyone has tried or even heard of animal tractoring? This is the use of animals and their natural tendencies to deal with problems. In this case, I would like to use (free orchard ranging) chickens and other poultry to deal with insects, fallen leaves and fallen fruit. Chickens have the natural inclination to scratch apart and eat everything. I am also thinking of bats to handle the moths and other night bugs. As far as the fungus problems, I have read a lot about sulfur and amazingly enough, it doesn't hurt but rather helps with the chickens.
I look forward to hearing what you think about my idea. All comments are welcome!
Animals in the orchard?
Moderator: appledude
We use guinea fowl for bug control in our orchard and they eat TONS of bugs daily...roam all day long and return to the trees in the goat pen every night to roost. We lose a few to predators, but with a flock of over 100 adult birds, we don't notice any significant losses.
I also hatch keets (baby guinea) and sell them every summer locally for additional income and then keep the extra to replenish our own flock.
I also hatch keets (baby guinea) and sell them every summer locally for additional income and then keep the extra to replenish our own flock.
Betty
Grovertown Fruit Farm
Grovertown, IN
Grovertown Fruit Farm
Grovertown, IN