Question about these beautiful birds

[OldMcContri]

So I went to look at baby chicks yesterday at a "local" hatchery and amongst their many selections they also had baby turkeys. I have to say I LOVED these guys, they were always the ones that were so curious as to who opened their brooders and seemed to be so friendly, plus they are going to grow up to be beautiful birds..

Now for my question. besides the obvious holiday reason and just to have one, why would someone want to have a turkey as a pet. Are they friendly, do they lay eggs for eating... tell me please.

 

[dheltzel]

They are the best pet of any poultry, IMO. Of all the birds on the farm, my favorite is a turkey hen, she sits down next to me and purrs when I pet her!

They do lay eggs, large and tasty, but not as many or as efficiently as chickens (very seasonal). If you want to keep one for longer than a few months, be sure to get a heritage breed and not the broad breasted (comes in white and bronze). Those have major health issues because they are bred for fast growth and they often get too large to roost, break legs, get sores from sitting too ling, etc. The heritage breeds are not like that at all, they can live quite a few years and be very rewarding long term pets.