Does a turkey have to be slaughtered?

[kinnip]

I've seen some really pretty turkeys. I think a Royal Palm turkey in the yard would be nifty. I would not be able to kill it. I name everything and it's done, they're mine forever.

Will the average tom turkey be able to grow and get around comfortably for a lifetime. I don't want an animal that will soon become cumbersome and sickly, I want a pet. I know it sounds like a waste to many, but is it even humane?

 

[dangerouschicken]

Heritage turkeys, like Royal Palm, would be fine. What you don't want to keep are the Broad breasted varieties. They are the ones that can go lame.

LOVE THE TURKEYS! LOVE THEM!

 

[dogzrule5]

Personally, I've never had a turkey but I'm sure they can be kept as a pet.

What about all the turkeys the President saves each Thanksgiving? They live their lives out in a turkey sanctuary...

 

[ButtonQuailBoy]

this is as close as I'll even get to a turkey...

Sure he's cute but he's hiding violent thoughts of hurting me... T_T

 

[silkieluver_07]

We rescued Larry as a poult. He was running through the yard during a rainstorm. He is an eastern wild turkey.

He lived 7 years. He died around 2 years ago. He would let us hold him and everything! We have one of his sons now, his name s Turkeybird.

 

[dangerouschicken]

OMG! I LOVE HIM!

 

[fancyfowl4ever]

Those turkeys that go to sanctuaries get to live their one year or so of life(normal turkey lifespan being up to 20 yrs, but those genetically engineered meat mutants sadly grow too heavy for their own system to be able to support them for longer then they were meant to live.... aka 'til christmas).

As for heritage breeds, they will live nice long, healthy lives(if you care for them right). I cannot recommend Palms as pets though, they belong to the light group of heritage turkeys and are somewhat spooky and flighty(Leghorns of the turkey world - spastic freaks) there are the odd tame ones, but they are rather uncommon.

Calmest breeds I have had so far were merriams wilds, bourbon reds and Jersey buffs.

 

[ccrecelius]

Wow, Larry was beautiful! I never even thought about getting a turkey! I am thinking about it now!

 

[Davaroo]

The heritage breeds, like dangerous says, are your best bet.

I had a neighbor that with a turkey for years. When they moved, the turkey went with them. Nothing lives forever, but they would get what they are alotted, Im sure.

 

[ams3651]

when we were kids my grandfather had what I believe was a wild turkey. He lived maybe 5 years or so I cant remember. but he wasnt friendly.