Mean turkey

[Sarajane330]

I’m new to having a turkey. He’s all white and was hatched last year. I bought him from a lady locally. She said one of her roosters was picking on him and didn’t want him anymore.
He attacks me when he is let out. I kept him in our run by himself for the first couple of weeks, but for some reason he doesn’t like me. My boyfriend is the one that has to go in the run to fill feed and water.
Are there any tips or tricks to get him to be nice? If he doesn’t become nice he will become thanksgiving dinner.
I also have an almost 7 year old son, which I don’t trust that turkey to be out when he gets home from school, so he goes back in the run.

 

[Lexievans11990]

I’m new to having a turkey. He’s all white and was hatched last year. I bought him from a lady locally. She said one of her roosters was picking on him and didn’t want him anymore.
He attacks me when he is let out. I kept him in our run by himself for the first couple of weeks, but for some reason he doesn’t like me. My boyfriend is the one that has to go in the run to fill feed and water.
Are there any tips or tricks to get him to be nice? If he doesn’t become nice he will become thanksgiving dinner.
I also have an almost 7 year old son, which I don’t trust that turkey to be out when he gets home from school, so he goes back in the run.

Growing up, my grandpa had a mean turkey. Whenever the turkey would go to attack him, he would take his hat off and wave and throw it at him. It sounds silly, but it actually seemed to train and calm the turkey down. You just have to stand up to them and show who’s boss. Good luck!

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Sounds like a white production tom, they are meaner than the dickens! I prefer heritage breeds, I haven't encountered any aggression at all from them.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

He was probably imprinted on humans, which means he sees people as his flock

 

[Molpet]

Yeah most likely he thinks you are the same. I wouldn't trust him and would invite him to dinner
Turkeys need other turkeys, toms need a few hens.

 

[R2elk]

The only sure cure for aggressive turkeys is processing or culling them.

 

[turkey girl 0964]

You are going to have a good Thanksgiving dinner!