Are there some turkey breeds which are friendlier and more "under foot" than others.

[fowlsessed]

I was thinking royal palms, midget whites or eastern wild turkeys. But really want something friendly, are there more friendly breeds?
Thanks,

 

[farmerlor]

This is just my opinion you understand but I think Bourbons are the friendliest. Keep in mind I've only ever bred BBB, Bourbons, Bronzes, and Midget Whites but I do love my Bourbons. They want to know what you're doing, why you're doing it, and then they have to discuss why stupid humans do these kinds of things when they could be out chasing grasshoppers. My Bourbon girls come up to the front door and very politely knock on the door for some treats. They'll ride on your shoulder (don't let them do this after they hit about 10 pounds, a 10 bird hitting your shoulder WILL put you on the ground) and sleep in your lap and if you plan to eat your turkeys remember that Bourbons are one of the best tasting heritage birds. Your Royal Palm was bred to be decorative and they are I just don't like that body type. I want big birds with lots of breast and heavy legs. The Palm is built more like a peacock with a streamlined body and thinner legs but like I said I've never raised one so I can't tell you how they are personality wise. The Midgets are great at going broody and taking care of their babies. I don't get that much broodiness from my Bourbons though the Bronzes were all about raising a nest. I went out to check to see if one of the girls had an egg and she was putting up a fuss, Suddenly all light coming in from the door is gone and the biggest **** Bronze roo I ever saw was in the door way shaking his feathers at me. Scared? I left them their egg and edged on by the roo and got out of their. They're never aggressive but they're big enough they don't have to be.

 

[Scottingitup]

I will second the bourbons, my first batch was hand raised and then just cared for in their pen. This year I only hand raised for the first week then let me broody moms handle the babies. Mine are not friendly to the point of sitting in my lap but they will come right up to me. I am sure if I put a little more work they would - but I keep mine for meat so it is not a priority for me.

 

[chicken pickin]

I am new to turkeys and only have BBWs and Bourbons. My Bourbons are very friendly and curious I would compare them to puppies lol. My Bourbons are only 8-9weeks old and my family loves them and I cant wait to see how they mature. I expect them to stay very friendly as we as a family handle them daily. Though while I do like my BRs a lot I have found that I enjoy my BBWs personalitlies a little more. They are almost grown out and will leave us in about 2 weeks

. I would love to find a turkey that is similar to my BBWs sweet and gentle nature.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Bourbon Reds are my choice. I have Bourbon Reds and when I walk in the chicken yard, I swear those birds DO NOT get out of the way. I have to walk around them. You can touch, pet and pick up mine with no problem . When I am sitting outside under the trees, they will come to me and the Toms will strut around me and the girls will sit down and watch the boys. The only problem is that if someone wanted to steal them, they could because they wouldn't know any better and let that person pick them up and haul them off. :/

 

[fowlsessed]

I'm actually not interested in meat or anything of that sort, just want turkeys. And broody is a big thing for me although you all have sold me on the bourbon reds. How about narragansets?

 

[fowlsessed]

oh yea, that's why I really wanted something small like MW or RP, but hey, can't have everything and I'd rather feed them more and have friendlier birds.

 

[frank53061]

The Bourbon Reds are my first try at Turkeys and everything I have read here is what I have experienced with my birds.
From having to wade threw them as I walk in the pen or having them gather around when I allow them to free range and I am out side.
As Kuntrygirl stated they are so human friendly I would be afraid of some one walking up and taking them.
I am glad I got it right the first time I still would like to try some Narragansets.

 

[KrisH]

Our Jersey Buff (our first turkeys) are very friendly and beautiful. they were about 2 years old when we got them. lghter in color than the bourbons, but we got a bunch from porters this year. they are almost 10 weeks old, and the bourbons and buffs are so far the friendliest. followed closely by the Bronze but the silver auburn are a little stand off-ish.

RobertH

 

[fowlsessed]

thank you.