Free Windrose Farm Guinea Fowl: Backyard Squash Pest Protection

If you are in the market for backyard guinea fowl — and really, who isn't? — Windrose Farm has about 15 that need a new home.

The pros: They're free and hilariously cute when running at frenetic speeds around the farm (or in your backyard). And as Bill Spencer of Windrose Farm says, “At times they seem to be completely insane, but they are truly extraordinary eaters, particularly pests like a stink bug from Asia that no other bird will eat. The bugs get in the middle of your squash, invade and become a real problem. Ticks, too. Their acuity as far as eating tiny things, down to 1/16th of an inch, is phenomenal.”

Guinea fowl running through Windrose Farms' fields; Credit: jgarbee

The downsides: “Well, [my wife] Barbara decided they were invading her greens,” continues Bill. “They also will eat small reptiles like lizards, which are beneficial. They've completed their stink bug task, so it's time for them to do their job for someone else.”

The birds also nested in the trees over one of the farm employee's homes, which Bill says has caused a bit of a “constant shower” issue. “Next time we'd orient them farther from our houses,” he says.

Still interested? The Spencers' guinea fowl are free to the right home. Remember: These birds are used to running (somewhat insanely) on a large farm. Send your answers to the following questions to farmerbill63@gmail.com by the end of the day today.

For what purpose do you want them?

Have you had guinea fowl before?

Are the fowl to be free range or caged?

If free range, have you “oriented” guinea fowl before?

What do you know of the behaviors and habits of guinea fowl?

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