Biosecurity - Do I need to worry about the neighborhood wild turkeys in my yard?

[Eri_Oak]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this Q, so please correct me if there is a better place to post it!

I live in an area with several flocks of wild turkeys (and one peacock!) that roam around, and are regularly in our yard. We are getting our first flock of four chicks next week, and I am about to start setting up our coop. I initially wan't too worried about biosecurity, as we do have neighbors with chickens, but none that share property lines with us. But then I realized that we do have the turkeys that come to visit a few times a week.

Curious if this should cause heightened awareness on my part regarding pests, diseases, etc. Or if there is anything special I should do to prep the coop/run area?

I'm new to chicken ownership, so any advice is welcome!

 

[Mrs. K]

I live in very rural SD, on a ranch, with no close neighbors, but a lot of wild turkey's. They have been very near my flock, and if I let mine out, they would be in the same area... I have never gotten a disease...but I suppose they could.

I just would not worry about it.

Mrs K

 

[azygous]

Like @Mrs. K , I have a lot of wild turkeys that share the free range with my chickens. This has been going on for well over a dozen years with no cross infection. In fact, I believe my flock benefits from the turkeys hanging out with them, often the two species share scratch grain together. Wild turkeys are known to carry a mild form of Marek's that may help immunize my flock from the chicken variety of Marek's.

The first time my chickens ever mingled with the wild turkeys while sharing grain, I was wary the toms would cause a problem with my roosters. The fact is, my chickens have such a strong sense of territory ownership, the hens actually chase the turkeys when they think they may be pecking up more than their share. The toms and my roosters don't seem to have any worries about each other.

 

[Eri_Oak]

These are very helpful responses! Thank you!