How to protect my squash

[Rstine]

Does anyone know how to keep turkeys out of a garden?
I've got 3 young turkeys and I can't keep them out of my garden. I put chicken wire all around it but they still go over. I would prefer not to clip their wings as being able to fly is their best defense against the coyotes and badgers around here. Any Ideas, or am I just doomed to have beautiful squash plants with no squash on them?

 

[CochinLover1]

Turkeys can fly very well. The only thing to keep them from going into your garden is clipping the wings. We, too, have a garden and do not clip the turkeys wings because of our coyotes and mink around here. We keep our garden far away from the turkeys and keep them otherwise occupies. I recommend giving them something else to eat/do. I do know that nothing eats marigolds. You might do well putting a bunch of not-so-yummy plants around your squash.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

X 2...they are good fliers and a good wing trimming might help the getting aloft so high, but no guarantee. Don't trim so close that it causes trouble when molting in new feathers. Here is a diagram on how to trim wings...




You can also post in our Turkeys section too for more help with this...https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/20/turkeys

Good luck and I hope you can save the squash!!!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! I too agree that trimming may be your only option barring keeping them in an enclosed area. TwoCrows has left you a fab pic and link to check out.

Wishing you the very best of luck and enjoy your time here on BYC

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Sorry can't think of any worthwhile suggestions. But Welcome to Backyard chickens.

 

[Rstine]

Thanks for the clipping tips. I found some netting that isn't cost prohibitive and put it over the garden, It'll be inconvenient come picking time but at least there will be picking.
The turks are starting to gobble, what fun.