Are you sick and tired of brush turkeys destroying your garden?
Easy hacks to stop brush turkeys causing damage
In the past recent years the number of brush turkeys seen in the Aussie suburbs has grown exponentially. Their rise in numbers has caused a lot of frustration for many gardeners and their gardens. Brush turkeys are known to destroy pots, dig out plants, disburse soil and create nests or mounds to hatch eggs. It’s a huge annoyance, let alone a waste of valuable time and money.
In thinking of ways to deal with brush turkeys, remember that they are a protected native species in Australia, and therefore cannot be harmed.
Therefore, you can’t use any method to prevent brush turkeys from entering your garden. Please do NOT get your bow and arrows, air gun (or real gun), or grenades and inflict harm on them. You could be fined for breaching the law.
There are legit ways with repelling brush turkeys, without incurring the wrath of the law.
Read on for the top Brush Turkey hacks!
Tip 1. Weed mats
Lay weed mat to cover any mulch
The most effective way of deterring brush turkeys is through the use of weed mats. Place the weed mats to cover mulch to prevent the brush turkey from pushing bark and soil to create a mound. The weed mat is strong enough to repel the legs of a brush turkey, yet allows sufficient moisture to seep through to the underlying soil. While the appearance of a weed mat may not be appealing for some, it does the job, and will stop a brush turkey mess.
Tip 2. Fences and netting
Create a barrier to stop brush turkeys from entering
When it comes to using fences and netting as a barrier to keep brush turkeys out of your garden, there are a few important factors to consider.
Firstly, the height of the fence is crucial. Since brush turkeys are capable of flying, it’s essential to have a fence that is at least 2 meters tall to deter them effectively.
Make sure you use material that is sturdy and solid. Materials like metal or wood with small gaps or mesh netting will stop the turkeys from squeezing through gaps or even sitting on the fence. Don’t use chain-link fences or materials with large openings that brush turkeys can exploit.
To prevent the turkeys from burrowing under the fence, it’s important to bury the fencing material or netting. Dig a trench about 30 centimeters deep along the perimeter and bury the bottom of the fence or netting within it. This underground barrier will discourage brush turkeys from attempting to dig underneath.
Lastly, reinforce any weak points where the fence meets the ground or where gaps may exist. Regularly inspect and maintain the fence to ensure its integrity, as brush turkeys can be persistent in testing barriers.
By implementing a well-designed and secure fencing solution, you can greatly reduce the chances of brush turkeys entering your garden and causing damage.
Tip 3. Mulch
Loose soil and mulch attracts brush turkeys
Brush turkeys use soil and mulch to create mounds for nesting. If you have loose leaves, soil and mulch, they can use their feet to scrape together a mound. Mounds are not only an eye sore for gardeners, but cause a huge mess and destruction of soil beds. Try and avoid using mulch in your garden. But if you do, choose heavy mulch materials like bark chips that are less attractive to them. Get rid of loose leaves and don’t leave soil bags lying around.
If you are unable to remove mulch, loose leaves and soil, try reverting to the chicken wire tip, and use chicken wire as a cover.
Tip 4. Compost bins
Keep the lids closed tight
If you have a compost bin keep it closed and secure. Brush turkeys love to scour the garden looking for food, in particular – compost bins. Compost bins are most appealing because they want to dig through and find food scraps. If you are unable to secure the compost bin, try using fencing or chicken wire to create a barrier.
It’s vital to protect compost bins from destructive brush turkeys. Once they have penetrated your compost bin, it may attract other brush turkeys and of course, create a terrible mess.
Tip 5. Noise and visual deterrents
Scare them away!
Brush turkeys can be scared off by loud noises and visual deterrents. The old school “scare crow” has been found to be effective for some gardeners. It need not be a full size scare crow and can even teddy bears, plush toys or even a swinging mirror or strips of foil.
Wind chimes and bells can also deter brush turkeys. If you want, you can even go high tech with installing motion censors that will emit loud sounds when triggered.
Tip 6. Repellents
Repell with smell
Some gardeners have reported success with using repellents to discourage brush turkeys. Go online and search for brush turkey repellents. You will find several bird repellent sprays or other products specifically designed to deter birds.
Tip 7. Plant selection
Plant prickly plants
Consider choosing plants that brush turkeys are less likely to be attracted to. They tend to avoid plants with prickly or spiky foliage. Research local plant species that are less appealing to brush turkeys and incorporate them into your garden.
Tip 8. Hire a Removalist
Professionals to transport them away
It’s not widely known, however there are now professionals that can capture the brush turkey and transport them to a safe and secure nature park or wild life reserve. The removalists are able to capture the turkey without harm in a cage, whereby they move the cage to their vehicle then transport them so that they are unable to return to your yard.
Summary
Remember, brush turkeys are protected in Australia, so you can’t just go commando and harm them. Use a variety of techniques to achieve an effective deterence.
A combination of visuals, barriers and removing items that appeal to them is very important.
With these tips, you can keep your garden neat and tidy without the disturbance of brush turkeys!