Factors which embolden & discourage thieves

[AlohaSteven]

Here is an interesting security system suggestion for home and farm, from
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Guine...ept03.html
by Dennis Headley; SPPA Bulletin, 2003, 8(3):8-9.

In the meantime, if its bug-eating talent is not enough to recommend it, then perhaps we should consider keeping the guinea fowl as a security system. "No strange person or noise escapes them, and then their screaming is not only effectual, but calculated of itself to frighten off any evilly disposed marauder" (Wright). The final word, however, is accorded to Browne, who, in passing the following judgment reveals that curious combination of admiration and exasperation found in so many writer's voices on the subject of the guinea: "This bird is no great favorite with poultry keepers, in general, but is one of those unfortunate beings, which, from having been occasionally guilty of now and then a trifling fault, has acquired a much worse reputation than it really deserves. Notwithstanding this, it is useful, ornamental, and interesting during life, and a desirable addition to the table, if properly dressed, when dead."

Of them Victoria Varga in "Guinea Fowl: Something Different in the Garden" at http://www.homestead.org/Poultry/Victora...eaFowl.htm writes:

These normally docile but alert birds have a surprisingly acute awareness of predators within their habitats, and will alert the farmer to any henhouse intrusion, day or night. A distinct and rather operatic call will be sounded upon any strange intrusion. Many Guinea Fowl breeders will attest to their “watchdogs’” ability of being able to distinguish between family members and strange and unfamiliar faces.

Guinea Fowl have been used for both pest control and as farm ‘watchdogs’ for decades now, and one of their relatively newer uses has been to the gardener and small crop grower. Guinea Fowl have proven most successful in organically controlling pests by eating most bugs in the garden, while leaving the green foliage virtually untouched. This has garnered the Guinea Fowl not just the praise and welcome of the farmer, but that of the gardener as well. Slugs, bugs, and other thugs are their specialty and Guinea Fowl have demonstrated once again, their versatility and ability to earn a reputation of wonderful uses.

Guinea Fowl can be kept either free-ranged, or free-run in the company of other poultry.

I remember long ago as a lad nearly having a heart attack or two when Guinea fowl exploded into loud protest as I happened to run all unawares upon a bunch of them pecking at insects amidst tall grass or in the gardens on my great-grandparents' ranch. While usually timid and quiet birds the unholy helluva great din they can make when disturbed --a sort of shrieking cackle-- really is enough to wake the dead.

Guinea fowl as a home security system on one acre lots would probably not endear one to one's neighbors, but a flock may perhaps have application on larger spreads. Does anyone know if Guinea fowl are on the "OK for Hawaii" list and already present on the Big Island? Are there local sources from which fertile Guinea fowl eggs (for brooding by a chicken hen) or a breeding pair of Guinea fowl may be purchased? The note at http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/ldc/birds seems to indicate they are OK for import if certified disease-free.


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