New onset aggression

[TurkeyMamma9]

I have had my Tom for 3 years now, along with a few hens. Over time we lost all but him and 1 hen and now he is super aggressive towards me. He tries to peck me and jumps at me. He has always been so friendly until now. I have always been able to pet, hug, and hold him. It breaks my heart. Is this sudden change common? I don’t know what to do.

 

[R2elk]

I have had my Tom for 3 years now, along with a few hens. Over time we lost all but him and 1 hen and now he is super aggressive towards me. He tries to peck me and jumps at me. He has always been so friendly until now. I have always been able to pet, hug, and hold him. It breaks my heart. Is this sudden change common? I don’t know what to do.

He may simply be more aggressive trying to protect his only hen. However tom's can undergo sudden behavior changes for no apparent reason. If his diet has changed recently, there is evidence that turkey aggression can be related to the feed they are being fed.

If it was my turkey, I would try getting additional hens for him.

Food effect on aggressive turkeys

Click on the Aggressive behavior and the role of nutrition to download the pdf.