Geese vs Turkey

[Bush84]

I apologize if this is improper forum etiquette but I posted this same toptic in the geese forum and wanted to see what the turkey crowd had to say. If this is against the rules please delete or close it. Below is what I wrote.

I'm thinking about getting some bigger birds this year. Right now I just have chickens. I had decided to get turkeys but in my search for bourbon reds I couldn't find any locally, but happened to find buff American geese very close to me. So that got me reading and I'm not sure what I want to do. I understand there are lots of pros and cons for both but wanted to get opinions. Don't ask me why I posted it here. I just picked a forum.

Here are some of my thoughts on the debate. I have 8 acres and I mow a lot of it. So I have a lot to feed some geese. I like the fact that I will have to buy in very little feed during the nicer months. I also like that the butchered product is still a decent size. It seems that they are also more durable to raise from what I understand. On the other hand turkeys are larger. I find them better looking. They don't have the same water needs. I also have young kids and I believe (maybe incorrectly) that turkeys will not bother the kids and be aggressive.

Your thoughts?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have never owned geese so I can't comment on them. I do have turkeys, 15 currently, mine are rowdy troublemakers that will harass my chickens, fly up on every roof and tree and fence, they range for a short time then they start making trouble. I keep mine separated from my chickens and lock them up in their large run. Turkeys are hard to start because they require a bit more care. Some toms are aggressive, my vet has turkeys that attack everyone in his family, so they aren't always passive.

 

[memphis]

Turkeys for me, hands down. I've owned both over the years. I would even choose my turkeys over my chickens if I had too.

 

[turksinmaine]

yea, a turkey has so much more personality than that of a goose and chicken. And their curiosity is through the roof.