A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[KF0002]

This is why wing clipping can work long term even if done only once on adults. By the time the flight feathers grow back they have forgotten they can fly.

I wish it had worked for me. The roosts in the brooders are lower to the ground so my group from last year never really flew growing up. I clipped their wings when they got old enough to turn out of the brooders. The hens especially would still fly over the fence like it didn't bother them. Luckily they never try to wander far and were so tame they were easy to catch. The have also been good about staying close to home when they are out. I didn't even clip the cull sweetgrass Jake's wing. He stays put.

 

[R2elk]

I wish it had worked for me. The roosts in the brooders are lower to the ground so my group from last year never really flew growing up. I clipped their wings when they got old enough to turn out of the brooders. The hens especially would still fly over the fence like it didn't bother them. Luckily they never try to wander far and were so tame they were easy to catch. The have also been good about staying close to home when they are out. I didn't even clip the cull sweetgrass Jake's wing. He stays put.

Clipping the wings on immature birds is a waste of time especially if you clip both wings.

They need to be adults and only clip one wing. It will not stop them from being able to jump up onto a 6' roost.

 

[KF0002]

Clipping the wings on immature birds is a waste of time especially if you clip both wings.

They need to be adults and only clip one wing. It will not stop them from being able to jump up onto a 6' roost.

I clipped them when they were 4 or 5 months old. Reclipped as new primaries came in. Still didn't keep them in. But my neighbors love the turkeys and don't mind them visiting and they haven't wandered far so I don't try hard to keep them in anymore.

 

[Molpet]

No eggs here but turkey love is in the air.
The dominant tom bred 4 hens while I was running interference for him from the other toms.
Then 2 other toms were covering different hens at the same time.
Eggs should be soon

well the dominate tom has been deposed. About an hour before sunset yesterday I seen him walking the fence line trying to get out , he was beat up. Then the 4 jakes started chasing him around so I put him in a pen. Then 2 of the jakes started causing problem with the lame tom, so I grabbed one and sent him to freezer camp. This morning was a repeat so I sent another Jake to camp.


Old King

New King

 

[KF0002]

well the dominate tom has been deposed. About an hour before sunset yesterday I seen him walking the fence line trying to get out , he was beat up. Then the 4 jakes started chasing him around so I put him in a pen. Then 2 of the jakes started causing problem with the lame tom, so I grabbed one and sent him to freezer camp. This morning was a repeat so I sent another Jake to camp.


Old King

View attachment 3763349

New King

View attachment 3763358

The new king is a beautiful bronze!! I'm sorry your jakes were being jerks. I'm sure the old king will be missed by the hens. You had mentioned he was their favorite.

I will be culling some soon myself. As soon as we get a free evening. My semi penciled sweetgrass tom is getting aggressive toward me and my husband. If he keeps it up, his days are numbered.

 

[Amer]

well the dominate tom has been deposed. About an hour before sunset yesterday I seen him walking the fence line trying to get out , he was beat up. Then the 4 jakes started chasing him around so I put him in a pen. Then 2 of the jakes started causing problem with the lame tom, so I grabbed one and sent him to freezer camp. This morning was a repeat so I sent another Jake to camp.


Old King

View attachment 3763349

New King

View attachment 3763358

Both toms are very handsome.
And that sweetgrass hen is very beautiful.

 

[R2elk]

 

[KF0002]

View attachment 3763909

They are feeling themselves this morning. Beautiful group of toms! Do they fight terribly when breeding season is in full swing or do you separate them?

My Red sweetgrass and Narragansett jakes quarrel some but it isn't bad. They were raised together so I think that has helped keep the fighting to a minimum.

 

[R2elk]

They are feeling themselves this morning. Beautiful group of toms! Do they fight terribly when breeding season is in full swing or do you separate them?

My Red sweetgrass and Narragansett jakes quarrel some but it isn't bad. They were raised together so I think that has helped keep the fighting to a minimum.

Look again. There is only one tom in the group.

 

[R2elk]