Keeping a tom with a special needs turkey hen

[Dung Beetle]

I have a broad breasted white hen with a deformed leg. She was doing fine with the flock (all 2 months old) until today. Not unexpectedly, the other hens attacked her. I have her separated in a dog crate temporarily but it’s no place to raise her out. I can move her to her own separate safe pen but was wondering if it will be wise to put one of the toms with her so she isn’t alone? I have two toms and they stayed out of the bullyfest this morning. So far the toms have been gentle boys but they are young and I know at least how cockerels can be (first time trying to raise turkeys).

 

[R2elk]

I have a broad breasted white hen with a deformed leg. She was doing fine with the flock (all 2 months old) until today. Not unexpectedly, the other hens attacked her. I have her separated in a dog crate temporarily but it’s no place to raise her out. I can move her to her own separate safe pen but was wondering if it will be wise to put one of the toms with her so she isn’t alone? I have two toms and they stayed out of the bullyfest this morning. So far the toms have been gentle boys but they are young and I know at least how cockerels can be (first time trying to raise turkeys).

I would not put a tom in with her. If you want her to have a companion pick another calm hen and let them work out their differences. Be careful not to pick a hen that is a natural bully.

Personally I would cull the hen with the bad leg. It is only going to get worse as she gets heavier.

 

[Dung Beetle]

I would not put a tom in with her. If you want her to have a companion pick another calm hen and let them work out their differences. Be careful not to pick a hen that is a natural bully.

Personally I would cull the hen with the bad leg. It is only going to get worse as she gets heavier.

Thanks! They are all destined for the freezer. Right now she walks fine and does all the normal turkey things but I watch her closely. Unfortunately all the other hens ganged up on her so I don’t trust any of them.

 

[Dung Beetle]

They might be freezer bound but I always give 110% care to my animals whether they stay or go. I’ll see if I can make her her own run so she cannot feel alone but not be bullied.

 

[R2elk]

Thanks! They are all destined for the freezer. Right now she walks fine and does all the normal turkey things but I watch her closely. Unfortunately all the other hens ganged up on her so I don’t trust any of them.

Individuals don't necessarily act the same when separated from the flock.

 

[Susan Skylark]

I had an injured quail hen (pecking issues from flock mates) I separated and ended up with a bullied rooster that also needed to be in isolation. The hen was sulky even with other birds within sight and sound but enjoyed the hen pecked (literally) male’s company until he got over his awkwardness and started mounting the hen constantly (grabbing her injured head too) so I had to separate them, it got the boy over his girl issues but didn’t help the hen, who ended up getting culled as she got attacked after reintroduction 3 times. I also kept a wry neck around for 6 weeks and the poor thing was miserable. Sometimes culling is kindness!

 

[R2elk]

I had an injured quail hen (pecking issues from flock mates) I separated and ended up with a bullied rooster that also needed to be in isolation. The hen was sulky even with other birds within sight and sound but enjoyed the hen pecked (literally) male’s company until he got over his awkwardness and started mounting the hen constantly (grabbing her injured head too) so I had to separate them, it got the boy over his girl issues but didn’t help the hen, who ended up getting culled as she got attacked after reintroduction 3 times. I also kept a wry neck around for 6 weeks and the poor thing was miserable. Sometimes culling is kindness!

Turkeys don't act the same as quail. But a tom turkey nearing breeding age would take the injured hen laying down as an invitation to breed which would cause more damage to the leg.