Black Spanish, Midget Whites, or Beltsville White least likely to fly? +mind their own bussiness?

[katefollot]

More turkey questions!

I realize it would be much easier to just get broad breasted turkeys, but I can't bring myself to keep animals that can't live to a similar age as other breeds of the same species and that can't even breed on their own. I only care about the flying as it would be nice to have a paddock for them and I'm a little worried about keeping the younger guys in (even with clipping one wing) and it's too large of a space to net over. I'm also a little alarmed of the talk of turkeys following people around... I'm planning on keeping them contained part of the time, but I would prefer if they were a bit more independent than most people are saying they are?

So, out of those three breeds, which one do you think would fit best? Or would all of them drive me crazy?

 

[R2elk]

More turkey questions!

I realize it would be much easier to just get broad breasted turkeys, but I can't bring myself to keep animals that can't live to a similar age as other breeds of the same species and that can't even breed on their own. I only care about the flying as it would be nice to have a paddock for them and I'm a little worried about keeping the younger guys in (even with clipping one wing) and it's too large of a space to net over. I'm also a little alarmed of the talk of turkeys following people around... I'm planning on keeping them contained part of the time, but I would prefer if they were a bit more independent than most people are saying they are?

So, out of those three breeds, which one do you think would fit best? Or would all of them drive me crazy?

If you go out of your way to make sure the poults do not get imprinted on people the turkeys will grow up to be turkeys and will not act as pets.

 

[katefollot]

If you go out of your way to make sure the poults do not get imprinted on people the turkeys will grow up to be turkeys and will not act as pets.

I'm so glad to hear that

I know they're very food oriented, could them associating me with food be an issue? I can't avoid feeding them obviously , although I don't plan on hand feeding. I don't plan on handling them either, although I wish there was a way to have them be desensitized to being handled/picked up as necessary, but not have them imprint on me. That's a lot to ask for though!

 

[R2elk]

I'm so glad to hear that

I know they're very food oriented, could them associating me with food be an issue? I can't avoid feeding them obviously , although I don't plan on hand feeding. I don't plan on handling them either, although I wish there was a way to have them be desensitized to being handled/picked up as necessary, but not have them imprint on me. That's a lot to ask for though!

The more you start with, the more they will pay attention to each other and ignore you. Picking them up and holding and cuddling them is a no no. The more you start with, the quicker they will learn to eat and drink without interference from you.

I use sand for bedding and sprinkle food on the sand when I first put them in the brooder. They quickly learn to pick the feed off of the sand and then on to eating from the feeder. I dip each poult's beak in the water as I place them in the brooder. That is the extent of my interaction with them other than the occasional refilling of the water and feed.

 

[katefollot]

The more you start with, the more they will pay attention to each other and ignore you. Picking them up and holding and cuddling them is a no no. The more you start with, the quicker they will learn to eat and drink without interference from you.

I use sand for bedding and sprinkle food on the sand when I first put them in the brooder. They quickly learn to pick the feed off of the sand and then on to eating from the feeder. I dip each poult's beak in the water as I place them in the brooder. That is the extent of my interaction with them other than the occasional refilling of the water and feed.

Thank you so much for the break down, that's very helpful!