New turkeys added to flock

[frazierbbjh]

Hi, I just added two 4 wk old turkeys to my flock of 2 wild turkey and chickens. The tom chased the babies and pecked at it. The chickens tried to actually put their feet on the turkey and peck - similar to the rooster with the hen. These chickens are all hens that are doing this. Is this normal - like pecking order or should I keep them separated from each other?

Thanks for any info. Becky

 

[Lotsapaints]

You just put them in with them? In the daytime? You should put them next to them they are too young to just put out like that really they should be 8 weeks old at least to go outside and I only keep the babies together until they are grown...I don't think you had a very good plan for them..

Chickens and Turkeys are mean...

 

[frazierbbjh]

I thought they need to stay inside a little longer, the lady whom i got them from already had them outside. When we got our first turkey we placed them in during the day and they were fine. I asked the previous owner about added them to the flock and they said it was fine. Any insight you would have would be great. I currently have them in a coop with chicks that are about 6 weeks old and they seem to be doing great. I would like to have a pen just for my turkeys, how do I introduce the babies to my older two?

Thanks. Becky

 

[Lotsapaints]

I'd put them next to each other so they can get to used to them then after a month at dusk I would mix them unless you can free range them together then you just need a safe place for the younger ones to go at daytime then coop them separate for a month my turkeys liked the younger poults and one of the hens took them and wouldn't let any of the other birds bother them. I just sat in the pen when I added them together to make sure there wasn't any fighting going on you just have to be there and be ready if something is going to happen....older chickens are the worst offenders with young birds not the turkeys in my limited experience.