Our chickens have a new friend.

[kris13]

Went out to close them up for the night and our "resident" wild turkey was just hanging out with everybody. From what I've read he (she) shouldn't be an issue. Ours didn't seem to mind him at all/ they were all right over by the coop. Kind of cute! Sure the turkey was just looking for extra treats we leave out for ours. He's getting a little more friendly for us (ran off when he saw us) but usually you can be around 20 yards before he takes off.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sometimes we get some wild turkeys too because our turkeys draw them in. They sure do run fast when they spot us, if you blink you will miss their exit. They are really tall birds.

 

[kris13]

This guy is pretty chill. We have a large/open area between the coop area and our girls' playground, and if we're by the coop, he'll munch on weeds and stuff by the playground. If you get halfway across the open space, he'll wander off.

 

[chickens really]

If your birds have not been vaccinated against viruses? I would chase the wild turkey away..Turkeys can carry viruses that can be deadly to your entire flock. Eg. ILT virus, Mereks and many other bad things...

Just a suggestion...

 

[kris13]

That's good to know. Thinking he's also the thing eating the strawberries so I'm just going to close the one gate off and he'll be kept away from both.

 

[chickens really]

Sounds like an excellent idea!
Best of luck.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Actually turkeys can carry a more mild strain of Mareks that doesn't cause chickens to get sick and gives them immunity from it. Where we are, keeping all wild birds away is near impossible. I'm not sure how you are suppose to keep a wild turkey away unless you shoot it.