A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[R2elk]

Why do you go out of your way to keep your turkeys from imprinting on you?

Number one is that none of my poultry are considered pets. I want my turkeys to be turkeys and actually act like turkeys.

Number two is that all of the problem (attack) toms that I have had to deal with are ones that someone imprinted and they do not know that there is difference between people and turkeys.

If anyone tries to approach any of my turkeys, they will move away. If I need to move them to a particular place, I just get my stick out and use it as an extension of my arm to herd them in the proper direction. If I need to catch a turkey, I herd it into the coop where it can't get away from me.

The only time that my turkeys will follow me is if they think they are getting treats. This usually consists of me stripping olives off of branches they can't reach and they will follow me from tree to tree.

There are never underfoot or in my way.

 

[OneMountainAcres]

when you say your turkeys "require a hug" what do they do? Follow you around?

Oh yes, they follow me around until I give them one before they go off.

 

[memphis]

Since I only have two hens...mine are pets. I sure understand NOT wanting imprinted turkeys, especially toms. Oddly I acquired both of my hens as adults. We bonded. They follow me around & "help" with chores. They aren't pests or aggressive. Just my little buddies. They love attention, but are polite about it.

 

[sfgwife]

We made the mistake on a roo this spring. The first sure was some awesome pot pie and soup. The second dolt has his days but anything in my hand deterrs him. And a nice “chat” will last a good three months. So yep. We learned our lesson on the boys. No touchy feely with them. I still think if this fool we have now goes after my mama once more he will be in the pot.... we still have one more boy left and he doesnt get near any of us.

 

[Flashpoint]

Hey everyone. I so want to get outside and get some pictures of my girls and their horribly pitiful molts. Unfortunately, I'm stuck on the couch, eating garlic on crackers and fighting the hot/cold spells. I hate being sick! The girls do look awful though. I'm going to get their pictures before ask the new feathers come in. It's sag. Just when I think they can't get any worse looking, they drop what little feathers they have left lol

Get better soon, Auroa - those girls will need you!

 

[OneMountainAcres]

Get better soon, Auroa - those girls will need you!

Thank you, I'm working on it lol. This morning was rough but I'm feeling ok right now though that might be from the ibuprofen.

 

[holm25]

Since I only have two hens...mine are pets. I sure understand NOT wanting imprinted turkeys, especially toms. Oddly I acquired both of my hens as adults. We bonded. They follow me around & "help" with chores. They aren't pests or aggressive. Just my little buddies. They love attention, but are polite about it.

Mr. T was I printed in us and we never had an issue. Although he has always been a big baby. Over the summer he got a little unfriendly but now that things have settled I have spent more time with him and he is coming around.


Bre by unfriendly I mean he didn't want to be held. I could pet him but not hold him. He now let me pick him up this morning with little to no fuss.

 

[Flashpoint]

I have been working on revamping a large lean-to section of my shed for the turkeys' winter home. Only one end is open to the elements, but is also quite effectively blocked by various trees and shrubs and is on the east end of the shed. The north side runs parallel to my little bit of woods. Most of the south side and all of the west side is where my big shed sets, so very little danger of any extreme winds.

I finally ordered my wire to enclose that open end - which has about 4 foot open roof area, one large window sized opening on the north side, an 8 foot section totally open on the front side (east side), along with a 2' by 4' section on the south side. The inside is approx 12' by 8'. The wire is 1/2' mesh hardware cloth.

With a roost and their feeders, they should have enough room if they need to be "inside" for a few days. Unless we get the winter of all winters (unlike Minnesota ), there should be several days when they can free range out.

What do you folks think?

 

[rjohns39]

 

[OneMountainAcres]

ok, I went out and took some pictures. These poor girls look so miserable.

Sweet Pea:

Cuddles:

Even covered in pins, she still tried to come get snuggled but I imagine it didn't feel good. She only tried for a minute.

Princess's feathers are coming in so she doesn't look AS bad anymore but she's still got a ways to go.

Here is Misty, the troublemaker.

And Misty with Azul

Anyone want to take another guess as to what Pirate is now that He/She is older?

Sorry for the picture overload lol

Just in...I found 3 TURKEY EGGS in the coop with a 4th one on the ground smashed. Someone is STILL laying! Or laying again. I am NOT adding supplemental light right now.