Is it legal to keep a wild turkey in the flock if they joined in on her own?

[think_fast_chicklenuts]

I have a couple chickens in my backyard (loads more being raised right now) and a female wild turkey decided to lay her eggs in one of my bushes. She spends most of her time on her eggs, obviously, but she seems to enjoy the chickens' company, and she even crouched for the rooster, who then mated with her. She's very calm when I'm around her, and seems to like me a little. And yes, I'm sure she's a wild turkey. She can fly, and perches high up on a tree when something startles her.. I think the neighbors have been feeding her and spending time with her, and that's why she is calm. I just wanted to know if it's fine to just let her stay in my yard while she broods her eggs, and possibly after that.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC. I think it's fine to just observe them. Check your state laws, but I don't think you are allowed to catch her or her poults.

 

[R2elk]

I have a couple chickens in my backyard (loads more being raised right now) and a female wild turkey decided to lay her eggs in one of my bushes. She spends most of her time on her eggs, obviously, but she seems to enjoy the chickens' company, and she even crouched for the rooster, who then mated with her. She's very calm when I'm around her, and seems to like me a little. And yes, I'm sure she's a wild turkey. She can fly, and perches high up on a tree when something startles her.. I think the neighbors have been feeding her and spending time with her, and that's why she is calm. I just wanted to know if it's fine to just let her stay in my yard while she broods her eggs, and possibly after that.

As long as she is free to come and go on her own she is okay. Do not make any attempt to keep her or any offspring she may hatch. If she does hatch any of the eggs, do not try to make friends of the poults. They will have the best chance of surviving in the wild if you leave them completely alone.

 

[think_fast_chicklenuts]

Welcome to BYC. I think it's fine to just observe them. Check your state laws, but I don't think you are allowed to catch her or her poults.

Yeah, I know I can't interact with her, but I meant just letting her live here. I'll go check my state laws; thanks!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

And yes, I'm sure she's a wild turkey.

I'm not saying your wrong, but so can heritage breed domestic turkeys.. just not the broad breasted type.

ETA: You don't have to run them off your property. Them being there isn't against the law. Confining them usually is.

 

[think_fast_chicklenuts]

You may be right, but Nobody near me has turkeys, and she looks a lot like a Florida Osceola.

 

[saracarver3]

I have a couple females, and a male that hang out with my flock all day when they’re free ranging. I think it’s fine to let them mingle, with the only concern being the increased risk of avian bird flu that wild birds are more prone too. If you don’t have a body of water with wild water birds/ducks that the wild turkey might get exposed to I think that decreases the risk.

 

[R2elk]

I have a couple females, and a male that hang out with my flock all day when they’re free ranging. I think it’s fine to let them mingle, with the only concern being the increased risk of avian bird flu that wild birds are more prone too. If you don’t have a body of water with wild water birds/ducks that the wild turkey might get exposed to I think that decreases the risk.

It depends which state you live in. At least one state prohibits free ranging domestic turkeys to prevent contamination of the wild flocks.

 

[shawna-lee maclennan]

I have a couple chickens in my backyard (loads more being raised right now) and a female wild turkey decided to lay her eggs in one of my bushes. She spends most of her time on her eggs, obviously, but she seems to enjoy the chickens' company, and she even crouched for the rooster, who then mated with her. She's very calm when I'm around her, and seems to like me a little. And yes, I'm sure she's a wild turkey. She can fly, and perches high up on a tree when something startles her.. I think the neighbors have been feeding her and spending time with her, and that's why she is calm. I just wanted to know if it's fine to just let her stay in my yard while she broods her eggs, and possibly after that.

Where is this? I’m missing my female turkey in madiera park bc up menacher road lol

 

[think_fast_chicklenuts]

Where is this? I’m missing my female turkey in madiera park bc up menacher road lol

central florida