Need help

[Nichole Murphy]

So I had a pair of turkeys for three years, raised them and all. This morning my Tom, Edwin- one hell of a bird if I might add- but the hen is alone but with chickens. She won't go in the coop where he passed away. She's in heat nearly year round and I'm wondering if I'm going to need another Tom. Should I get another? Or do you think she'll be okay?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Turkeys don't come into heat. Your hen is wary, which is normal, anything different or unusual will cause a good reaction out of a turkey, a big still deceased turkey will definitely freak them out. If you want another turkey than get one. Otherwise your hen will adapt.

 

[R2elk]

So I had a pair of turkeys for three years, raised them and all. This morning my Tom, Edwin- one hell of a bird if I might add- but the hen is alone but with chickens. She won't go in the coop where he passed away. She's in heat nearly year round and I'm wondering if I'm going to need another Tom. Should I get another? Or do you think she'll be okay?

Turkeys are very sociable. She will do better if you get at least another turkey to keep her company. You don't have to get another tom unless you want fertile eggs. Even getting another hen will give her company.

 

[Nichole Murphy]

You don't think she'd be aggressive or territorial to another hen? She's been the only girl since I ever got turkeys and sometimes she goes after the chickens

 

[R2elk]

You don't think she'd be aggressive or territorial to another hen? She's been the only girl since I ever got turkeys and sometimes she goes after the chickens

I think that all turkeys just like any other poultry have to settle their pecking order when they first meet. It will probably be easier to get her to bond with a younger turkey that isn't set on being the dominant bird. If equally matched the dominance fights can be long and drawn out but when one is clearly more dominant than the other the disputes can be settled quickly. Interfering with the disputes can extend the process.

Good luck.