With the grasshopper invasion currently affecting much of Colorado, many farmers have been searching for effective solutions to protect their crops. At Nerdy Bird Farm, we’ve discovered an eco-friendly and highly effective ally: our turkeys.
Turkeys have a natural affinity for bugs, and grasshoppers are no exception. The delightful crunch and spunky, unpredictable hopping of these insects make them irresistible treats for our feathered friends. This year, we’ve leveraged this love for bugs to help keep the grasshopper population in check and protect our crops.
From the time our poults are just a day old, we ensure they get supervised playtime in the yard and garden, provided the weather is conducive. This early exposure is crucial for their health and happiness, preventing them from being confined full-time and allowing them to learn from the adult turkeys how to be, well, turkeys.
Our flock is composed of turkeys of varying ages, each contributing uniquely to the hunt. The adult turkeys, while less ravenous, possess the advantage of experience and stamina. They wander far into the fields, covering more ground and keeping the grasshopper population at bay even in the more distant areas of the farm. Meanwhile, our three-month-old poults, full of energy and curiosity, have recently begun foraging unsupervised. Having learned from the adults where to find cover and how to stay safe, they roam freely and feast on grasshoppers throughout the day. The youngest two-month-old poults, just beginning to free-range without human supervision, are guided by the older poults and adults. This mentoring system not only keeps them safe but also ensures they become effective members of our pest control team.
One of the most fascinating aspects of our turkeys' foraging behavior is their almost militaristic precision. They spread out in a coordinated line, maximizing their coverage. As grasshoppers attempt to escape one bird, they often land directly in the path of another, ensuring few get away. This behavior not only provides the turkeys with mental and physical enrichment but also significantly reduces the grasshopper population across our fields. It's a win-win situation: the turkeys enjoy their delicious treats, and our crops remain protected.
By relying on our turkeys for grasshopper control, we’ve minimized the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier and more sustainable farming environment. This approach supports biodiversity and allows us to maintain a more balanced ecosystem on the farm.
At Nerdy Bird Farm, we are proud of our natural approach to pest control. Our turkeys are not just farm animals; they are vital members of our agricultural team, helping us maintain a healthy and productive farm. We invite you to come visit the farm and witness these remarkable birds in action. Seeing them at work is not only fascinating but also a testament to the incredible benefits of letting nature take its course. Come and be a part of our community, and experience firsthand how our turkeys are making a difference.
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