Wild turkeys are rarer to find then the common domesticated turkey. Wild turkeys are usually not pure and can have domestic bronze and other varieties in them. The best way to tell the difference between wild and mixed turkeys is by checking their tail band which is a white color. Eastern wilds have an almost brown band while rio grande's have an off white color.Wild turkeys generally tend to be smaller than domestics and can fly far! Overall wild turkeys are light and flighty, their feathers also pull out super easily; a natural defense against predators. Also they look like dinosaurs. Their heads are narrower and.... just look at the pictures.
Wild turkey 101: Never ever agravate a broody wild turkey! Their eyes are red for a reason. Once one goes broody there's no putting them in a hanging basket to break them, they're going to hatch them! Broody's puff up and hiss, and bite. If you're unlucky to be in the coop when she is eating- run! They will attack unless your hen is calm. When they hatch the eggs make sure they guide the babies to food and water, sometimes they smother them with love and protect them from eating and drinking. Most of this information is based on my hen that's broody right now...
Besides the strange behavior of the hens when they are broody wild turkeys are like mist other turkeys and they also seem to like eating grains and grass more then heritage types. I hope more people raise this beautiful bird, (I raise rios), because they are rare and are unique. View attachment 1085204
View attachment 1085204
The wild turkey is the one in front. She's a hen!
Wild turkey 101: Never ever agravate a broody wild turkey! Their eyes are red for a reason. Once one goes broody there's no putting them in a hanging basket to break them, they're going to hatch them! Broody's puff up and hiss, and bite. If you're unlucky to be in the coop when she is eating- run! They will attack unless your hen is calm. When they hatch the eggs make sure they guide the babies to food and water, sometimes they smother them with love and protect them from eating and drinking. Most of this information is based on my hen that's broody right now...
Besides the strange behavior of the hens when they are broody wild turkeys are like mist other turkeys and they also seem to like eating grains and grass more then heritage types. I hope more people raise this beautiful bird, (I raise rios), because they are rare and are unique. View attachment 1085204
The wild turkey is the one in front. She's a hen!