skip to main content

Cornucopia - Australia

Grass Eaters??

20 years ago

Hi all,

i was wondering if anyone could tell me of any animals which eat ALOT of grass, weeds, etc, but don't absolutely ruin fruit trees? My husband has been talking about Geese, but we don't know anything about them - any ideas? We were also thinking about pigs, but i think they would push the fruit trees over when they want to scratch themselves!! Help!

Cheers

Lyn

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

paradisi
20 years ago
chickens will eqat grass and weeds - but scratch a lot

geese are good - for an orchard set up

or if you want to fence off a 100 square metres or so - a dozen guinea pigs will keep that pretty much under control - and you can always sell off the hundreds of offspring each year
;-)
goldhills
20 years ago
Should I dare suggest goats? You did want to keep the trees though didn't you :)

Actually I would go for geese. We inherited some geese at a place a few years ago and they kept the grass down in the paddock well. The only problem was that we didn't really know the geese so could never trust them. It would be best if you bought them young and raised them yourself and they would act as guard dogs/geese as well.
Related Discussions
How do you feel about nieghbors spraying?
Q
Comments (30)
See im on the other side but.ima jerk because its been like 5 years and our house is infested w every bug that I know them all from meely, silverfish, earwigs, lacewigs, spring tails. Never did before but know em now because i see them constantly near me all times of year, anytime i look. I am sensitive to energy but still its ridiculous. Mice. Flies like u wont believe. I have an indoor zapper and the rats... they are some brazen sob. See i dont care about laws or anything like that but i will do my homework and be respectful to make sure what I put on their nasty garden is safe... Its grandules and idk if they are organic...im anti pest so we both been compromised, far as i can see. Especially when my husband is on his car while his brother hold trash can with 2 rats in it and my husband looks crazy blasting b bs at like 2am like that but we are over ran to the point i see 2 or 3 rats every time i look outside for a min...day or night. My toddler is always yelling "i see Lil animals out here" .so im over it. They dont want what i give but i don't want what i got so far..ohh they can't speak English but they are nice. Probably wouldn't mind but hard to explain its not toxic on food
...See More
Can I Compost Gecko Manure?
Q
Comments (6)
But manure from carnivoires is going to stink really bad and could have disease germs in it. Have you been within a few miles of a feed lot recently? Grass eater's manure stinks pretty good, too...and has germs in it. Why do people keep asking if different kinds of stuff can be composted? Because every spring the magazines hit the shelves with articles about composting which tell readers to not use certain materials in their compost. Some not all reptiles are natural carriers of pathogens that would not go well with use in any garden that you would eat the food. Yes, any manure can be composted but some animals carry things that should preclude being put in compost. One of the reasons for composting and the decomposition of waste materials is to grow a population of microbes that decompose the diseases. This must work or else we'd all be sick from some dinosaur disease that has not gone away.
...See More
Weed Eater Cordless Combo Clipper
Q
Comments (1)
Well, so far I like this tool. I trimmed around all our trees. Each tree had a huge ball of grass around it. The little grass clipper had no problem with any of it. The hedge trimmer attachment was disappointing. But to be fair I was using it in thick grass. It mite work great on hedges. Hope to try it soon. I could have gotten just the clippers for about $10 less. But I hoped to be able to use the hedge trimmer too. If I ever replace it I will get just the clippers. Pooh Bear
...See More
Chicago Electric 66133 Leaf Eater/Shredder from Harbor Freight
Q
Comments (1)
Better protect yer eyes and face too! Those machines can throw some sharp things at ya, at speed! Rustyj.
...See More
meggs
20 years ago
Josh from GA has put chicken wire under his fruit trees to protect the roots and has chickens under his.
Raymondo
20 years ago
Geese or chickens would both work. My choice would be geese as they're more fox proof. They will need some swimming water or paddling water though. I've been told that you can win over geese quite easily by feeding them grain regularly. Make them come to you for it. And roast goose - yummmmmmmmm!
mfwoodbridge
20 years ago
Geese are not dependent on water. They will do well without water other than for drinking.
Ducks keep the grass down well also but need water. They have liquid droppings that are a lot less conspicuous than chooks or geese.

Manuel
living_simple
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks everyone!

o.k then, here comes the next question - can ducks, geese and chooks live happily together?? We might get a few of each and see which ones work the best for our situation!

Cheers
Lyn
Raymondo
20 years ago
We had chooks and ducks as a kid. I don't remember there being any problems except that the drake decided the chooks were also ducks!!!
I don't imagine adding geese would cause a problem.
adamus
20 years ago
We had all three together when I was a Kid. No probs at all.
They do sometimes have identity and gender issues, but it tends to work out.

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

GRASSES How to Rock a Lawn

By Mitchell Parker

Weekend Project: The key to healthy grass begins with the soil. If turf works for you, here’s how to fix it and keep it looking its best

FLOWERS AND PLANTS Panicum Virgatum, a Prairie Beauty Many Gardeners Can Enjoy

By Susan J Tweit

Switchgrass adds color through the year and is a natural ‘seed feeder’ for birds

EARTH DAY The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf

GROUND COVERS Give Your Lawn a Taste of the Wild

Consider the joys of an irregularly trimmed meadow lawn: It’s ecofriendly, visually interesting and still good for romping

BEFORE AND AFTERS See 6 Yards Transformed by Losing Their Lawns

By Annie Thornton

Wondering whether a turf lawn is the best use of your outdoor space? These homeowners did, and they found creative alternatives

MOST POPULAR 8 Backyard Ideas to Delight Your Dog

By Marianne Lipanovich

Cue the joyous soundtrack. These pet-friendly landscape and garden ideas will keep your pooch safe, happy and well exercised outdoors

LIFE 21 Things Only People Living With Kids Will Understand

By Mitchell Parker

Strange smells, crowded beds, ruined furniture — here’s what cohabiting with little monsters really feels like

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

EARTH DAY ‘Terroir’ Brings a Sense of Place to Your Landscape

By Susan J Tweit

Species native to and characteristic of your region firmly root your garden and landscape

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Remodeling Company in New Albany, Ohio