Best turkey with kids???

[colbye12]

I have to younger brothers and I am a teenager. And me and my dad were thinking about getting a pair of turkeys. The only thing is we don't want them to bother my little 5 year-old brother. They will also have to be in with 2 goats and 6 chickens and we might be getten some more chickens. also i would needs ones that will not fly out much. Thanks

 

[ivan3]

All the heritage breeds will fly like stunt planes, so you'll have to factor in wing clipping. Broad Breasted turkeys don't fly as much (they will when young), but overall they don't live as long and you'll need to monitor their diets (they were bred to get fat and get butchered and are prone to leg problems and illness if they overstay their `welcome' - careful diet control extends their stay).

Can't really predict the temperament of an individual turkey of any variety. Some will be very social and submissive, a few will be very aggressive.

Your family might consider just getting a couple of hens. The potential for aggressive behavior is much less and they are just as interesting as toms.

Good luck!

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

good reply, might add, it's an individual attitude, not color specific. All hertitage turkeys are basically the same bird, just genetically colored different.

 

[cracking up]

I'm thinking about midget whites. Everyone says they're wonderful.

 

[Frosty]

Be careful, turkeys are attracted to shiny thigs, which can include childrens eyes.

 

[colbye12]

Ok thanks. We where set on getten Bourbin Reds because they are so pretty. We also want a tom for his feathers.

 

[chickygirl2]

My bourbon reds are very sweet. I think you made a good choice : )

 

[candyfloss]

we have 3 bourbon reds, and 3 kids under 5, the turkeys are very friendly. They have been handled/played with by the kids since day 1.

 

[farmerlor]

Both my Bourbons and my Midgets are very friendly to the kids. The Midget hens really seem to crave the kids' attention but that may be because they're always carrying treats.