I have a Found Turkey

[zaklee]

So, my neighbor was off four wheel'n and came across a young turkey. He initially thought it was a wild bird but later concluded that it must have escaped from a farm about an eighth of a mile away. There was an osprey circling overhead so he decided to bring it home for me to raise with my chickens.

I know nothing about turkeys and only a little about chickens. I've attached a photo of the bird sitting on top of a 5-gallon water bottle that's about 12" dia. Can anyone guestimate how old this bird is and, less importantly, what kind of turkey it is? I've tried giving it some of chick starter (not sure what the protein content is) and also tried the layer pellets. Seems it only wants to eat bugs, which I'm OK with as long as it's getting what it needs.

The bird's currently kept under the main coop, segregated from but adjacent to the chickens in hopes that they will become accustomed to one another. I also have some pullets that will soon be introduced to the same area unless you all think the turkey will be too aggressive toward them. I'd eventually like to have one flock with the older birds, the new birds and the turkeys living communally.

 

[Terak]

Looks like a Bronze turkey about 3 weeks old. Give some higher protein feed like turkey starter that has 30% protein. It should not be aggressive to younger birds I would watch out for older birds around it.

 

[callieisspooky]

I second bronze.

I have standard bronze poults who look exactly like this guy. Congrats on your rescue turkey!

 

[zaklee]

Thank you both. I'm probably stupid for doing it but I've left my 8 chicken pullets and the turkey all together in the separated area under the main coop. I just went out to check on them and all 8 chicks are snuggled up to the turkey who has spread its wings a bit to cover them as much as possible. The look pretty cozy and cute nestled up in the corner. Hope the 1/4" wire will keep any nasties out. They weren't interested in the low roost I gave them but I didn't really expect them to be at this age. I think it's about 80 outside now. Much hotter in the garage so they couldn't go there and I couldn't stand the smell in the house anymore. Coop was the only choice.

What's a normal age for putting chickens out in warm weather like here in MS? How old before they mingle with the older hens? They need to be able to hold their own with the older birds.

 

[Terak]

They should be fine as long as they have some place that is block from the wind and rain. Turkeys make great mother hens for any other fowl. And that sounds great that it is acting like a big brother/sister. I getting ready to get some more chicks and they are about 3 to 4 weeks old I'll place them outside and I think I'm going to put them in with my Bourbon Red turkeys that are 5 weeks old now.