I have a bourbon red hen because she was the only one that survived out of 4, But we would like to have a tom too. But i'm worried about him becoming aggressive. Is there anything I can do to keep him from becoming aggressive??
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I have a bourbon red hen because she was the only one that survived out of 4, But we would like to have a tom too. But i'm worried about him becoming aggressive. Is there anything I can do to keep him from becoming aggressive??
My toms are never aggressive to people. The way I accomplish this is to make sure that I do not allow the turkeys to imprint on me. I want them to know that there is a difference between people and turkeys. Unfortunately for a lot of people, doing it my way means never making pets of your turkeys.
Thank you SO much for taking the time! My husband randomly does this to him during the day (just picks him up and handles him) but he's a big guy!You need to show him who is boss, without being mean, and reinforce it. Or you need to dispatch him after gathering some fertile eggs.
At night when he is roosting, wearing heavy protective gear including a hat, safety goggles, long heavy zipped up farm coat, and high cuff gloves, remove him from the roost while wrapping your arm around his wings and body. If he is a heritage breed, it won't be so hard. On light breeds, I will hold them by the shanks and let them hang for up to a minute while talking to them and stroking them. In this position, you are in control. Another option, necessary for broad breasted turkeys to prevent injury, is to set him on the floor at night and press on his shoulders until he sits. Again talk to him and stroke him. It may take several days of handling to get him used to it. He probably won't like it, but properly dressed and held down he can't hurt you with his claws, spurs, or wing primaries. Just watch his beak so that he doesn't get near your face. I can pick up my toms any time, anywhere, with no complaints because I handled them a lot. The one I raised from an egg and the one I bought at 18 weeks behave the same.
In the daytime between "attitude adjustments", feed treats away from the barn, in your territory. When the hens come to you, he will likely follow even though he may not partake. Once he figures out your hens like you better than him, and that you are bigger and stronger than him, and that you are not a threat to him or his harem's safety, he should calm down. If not, you will have to do away with him for your safety.
Good luck!