Raising turkeys

[Alleychick]

Hi guys I have been toying with the idea of buying baby turkeys to release back into the wild. We have about 9 acres of woods and already have a few wild hens. Im really interested in having a large number roaming around. Is this possible? I have no experience with turkeys only ducks and chickens. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[kuntrygirl]

I'm not an expert but if you plan on raising these turkeys to release in the wild, they will not survive. With you raising them, they have their food and water right there and they don't have to scavange for food. What will they eat in the wild? There won't be pellets of gamebird feed in the wild. You said that you will be buying baby turkeys to release back into the wild. You're not talking about releasing them as babies into the wild are you?

I don't think that would be a good idea but that's just my 2 cents. Maybe someone else will come along with more info.

 

[Mtn Margie]

That sounds like a good question for your DOW. You have local disease issues and also the carrying capacity of the lands around you. They will maybe have the answers you need.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
That's true.

 

[Dogfish]

If you want them to free range, and take care of them by feeding them, etc., that is one issue. Providing them with nothing after raising them is not cool.

Let Ma Nature take care of the wild turkey population. You take care of your chickens and ducks.

 

[Wnner Wnner Ckn Dnner]

Don't get the turkeys. It's not fair to them to raise them up only to let them loose and starve to death.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

In Arkansas it is illegal to release turkeys, wild or not, into the wild. You should check with your state wildlife department before you purchase any wild type turkey poults.

 

[Jmiller429]

im pretty sure that goes for almost all states. If you have a few wild hens around now, i will guarantee you have wild gobblers, and next month, youll have poults.

 

[Arielle]

As far as I know release of animals is illegal; licensed groups take care of injured animals and release those that will survive back into the wild here in MAss.

We abutt state reservation land which is stocked with turkeys for hunting. For years the hens would bring their babies around to eat our lawn and have a dust bath. They had a route they followed because every 3-4 days, they came by for a visit. MIss them--they don't visit any more.

It's commendable that you want to increase the turkey population. Try contacting your dept of wildlife and find out if and how you can assist. Many state agencies love to have volunteers. Some have "friends" groups. GL