New Tom

[TaylorB1216]

Hi there
We currently have two hens and have been eager to get a Tom to breed them.
I'm sure that the ladies will be a little bit territorial with the new guy, but do we have to worry about the same type of fighting exhibited between two males? Or will they adjust to him relatively quickly?
Should we take any extra precaution and fence him off from the girls for a bit?
Thanks!

 

[R2elk]

Hi there
We currently have two hens and have been eager to get a Tom to breed them.
I'm sure that the ladies will be a little bit territorial with the new guy, but do we have to worry about the same type of fighting exhibited between two males? Or will they adjust to him relatively quickly?
Should we take any extra precaution and fence him off from the girls for a bit?
Thanks!

The first rule of bringing in new members to your flock is Quarantine. You should never bring new poultry in without first quarantining them to ensure that you do not bring in new diseases or parasites to your existing flock. As part of the quarantine procedure, you can set your quarantine pen in such a fashion that the existing members of your flock can see (from a safe distance) the prospective new member. Once the quarantine ends, keep the new member separated from the current members with a fence that they can approach each other. Once any signs of aggression cease you can let the new member join the other members under supervision.

Some turkey hens don't take kindly to a new tom joining and will go through the pecking order fights. The more that you interfere with these fights, the longer it will take for them to settle their differences. Some hens that are so hormonal they just want to breed will squat for the new tom right away. Some will take awhile to accept the new tom.

Good luck.

 

[TaylorB1216]

Thank you! I appreciate the advice!