Backpack, but for turkeys

[MrsNorthie]

I ordered a GPS tracking device for my turkey hen. It's supposed to be for dogs. I don't think a turkey would like to wear a dog collar, so I'm thinking I can fashion some paracord into two loops, like a backpack. Trying to make something like the photo below. Has anyone tried this before?

(This photo was taken by wildlife researchers tracking wild turkeys)

That is actually a great idea, but maybe not on her back. Turkey mating is bizarre. The Tom's just stand on the hen until she gives in..lol At least they don't seem to get grabbing like the immature cockerels.

 

[MrsNorthie]

Very interesting. If they don't mind wearing a saddle then maybe I will order a larger tracker with longer battery life.

Yesterday I took two of my turkey hens' eggs, carefully poked holes to remove the yolks, refilled the eggs with sand and patched them up with drywall spackle. The "fake" eggs were indistinguishable from fresh eggs. I put them in the nest box. Between last night and this morning, the hens pecked the eggs open, spilled the sand, and ate the empty shells.

That sounds just like normal mischievous turkey behavior!

 

[fat brown hen]

I got a little dog harness and ziptied the tracker to the harness. She keeps trying to shake it off. Maybe an apron design would be more comfortable, but i'm worried about water/dirt/mites getting underneath.

 

[R2elk]

I got a little dog harness and zip tied the tracker to the harness. She keeps trying to shake it off. Maybe an apron design would be more comfortable, but i'm worried about water/dirt/mites getting underneath.

If you have her in with a tom, your choice of location is really poor as it will interfere with his breeding attempts. That is right where he will stand.

 

[fat brown hen]

If you have her in with a tom, your choice of location is really poor as it will interfere with his breeding attempts. That is right where he will stand.

what would be a better location?

 

[R2elk]

what would be a better location?

As close to the tail as you can get it or near an edge under a wing.

 

[fat brown hen]

As close to the tail as you can get it or near an edge under a wing.

what if i get her an apron and sew it to the bottom edge like this?

FWIW I have a tom, but i do not plan to hatch eggs and unsuccessful breeding is not a problem. I don't want the device to cause injury or stress.

 

[R2elk]

what if i get her an apron and sew it to the bottom edge like this?

That would be better than where you currently have it. I think along the lower edge under a wing would be better.

 

[R2elk]

FWIW I have a tom, but i do not plan to hatch eggs and unsuccessful breeding is not a problem. I don't want the device to cause injury or stress.

If you have a tom with the hens, breeding is going to occur whether you want it or not. Successful breedings are not the problem. It's the unsuccessful ones that can cause a hen to become injured or killed.

If you don't want to hatch turkey eggs, you can get rid of the tom and then you will not have to be concerned about unsuccessful breedings.

 

[fat brown hen]

That would be better than where you currently have it. I think along the lower edge under a wing would be better.

if i attach it to this part of the apron, would that be the correct location under the wing?