How to house 2 turkeys in a healthy environment

[Peevesmom]

I'm a new turkey owner. I just got them in October. I am getting a little concerned that they're not happy. The male has picked all his pretty back feathers and they both have picked feathers on their chest. Today I saw him peck really hard at the female, usually he is very sweet and protective of her. I keep them in a 12x12 enclosure. I cannot afford to build them a fence right now, unless there is a solution under $150 I could do. If I let them loose on the property will they wander off? I am surrounded by woods and am worried they'll get lost.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine follow me around when they are out. As long as you supervise them they shouldn't wander far. Mine have been taught to come when called as well as to be herded with sticks in my hands and arms extended.

I don't generally see any feather picking in my turkeys. What are you feeding them?

 

[Peevesmom]

I feed the purina game bird startena. They are less than a year old. Born in June. thank you for your reply.

 

[Peevesmom]

I would like to allow them to free roam without having to supervise them.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would like to allow them to free roam without having to supervise them.

I wouldn't do that. There's too many stories on this site of turkeys showing up at people's houses. You could enlarge their run.

 

[Mama Runner]

How much land do you own? We got ours with our Ducks. From the day I brought them home I let them free range. But mine all stay close by the house when I go in. I am also in and out every 30-40 minutes to check on them and spend 10-15 minutes with them before I will go back in. If I see Hawks or dogs we go out and stay out with them.

 

[Peevesmom]

Do you have suggestions for expanding their run for cheap? It's going to be temporary, in spring my husband and I plan on building a permanent enclosure.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Our run is 4 foot tall welded wire with post, so fairly cheap as prices go.

 

[Frank1983]

Get a couple 2x4s and a 50ft roll of welded wire and expand off your enclosure

 

[Frank1983]

to the right of the chain link fence section I expanded it 16ftx5ft x 4ft high for like 70 bucks