Random White Female (We think)

[Tony_Jones]

So. Tonight, right at dusk, we had a solo white (we believe a female) Turkey showed up on our gravel driveway. Thing is, we are hidden, at least 100 yards from the main road. My son, curious, went out to see why my dog was going out of his mind. Sure enough, this Turkey is just standing there. So, he quickly brings the dog in the house, returns to the Turkey. As my son walks, the Turkey follows him. He calls me as I'm on the way home and says, "want a Turkey?".. He tells me this bird just showed up. I told him to kead the bird, if she'd follow, to one chicken pen we no longer use, another 75 yards or so, around the back of the house. Sure enough, this bird followed him all the way around the property and voluntarily walks into the pen. We used to have Chickens, so we still have chickens scratch. He gave her the food, she began to eat. He brought water too. She instantly made herself at home. Very strange. Any ideas why this Turkey would be alone so far from civilization? Are they usually so friendly? Tonight, she's in the pen, seems content. As ridiculous as it sounds, we thought we'd keep her. Maybe call the Sheriff, see if anyone has a bolo out for a single, white gobbler. IDK. This is Encino, TX., as rural American as it gets.

 

[Pearlescent]

It may have been abandoned, or escaped. They can travel pretty fast and far, mine can outrun me.

Looks like a young bird from these pictures, so it’s not too unusual for them to run off, my 4-6 month olds almost always have a phase where they want to escape.

As of what to do with it, that’s entirely up to you. Definitely a domestic Turkey, and probably human imprinted. They make great pets, but it’d need friends at some point. I’d ask around and see if anyone’s missing it, because I’m sure someone really loves that Turkey for it to be so friendly.

Good luck!

 

[Molpet]

I can't tell from my phone pics it's sex, but my hens have traveled looking for the perfect spot for a nest.
Jakes get chased off by other males.
Also I have heard of people dumping too.

 

[Tony_Jones]

It may have been abandoned, or escaped. They can travel pretty fast and far, mine can outrun me.

Looks like a young bird from these pictures, so it’s not too unusual for them to run off, my 4-6 month olds almost always have a phase where they want to escape.

As of what to do with it, that’s entirely up to you. Definitely a domestic Turkey, and probably human imprinted. They make great pets, but it’d need friends at some point. I’d ask around and see if anyone’s missing it, because I’m sure someone really loves that Turkey for it to be so friendly.

Good luck!

As it turns out, it belongs to a neighbor that I don't know. The neighbor I do know, asked around. The neighbor who she belongs to, asked if we could keep her another day until he returns (elderly, out of town for doctors appointment). Of course, we don't mind at all. You were absolutely right about her being used to people. Truthfully, my wife asked me to see if she can be purchased and see if he has a male as well. Either way, we don't mind boarding her for a couple of days. She is eating anything we give her, corn, scratch and seems content. Thank you for your input, everything happens for a reason, for everything there is a season.

 

[R2elk]

As it turns out, it belongs to a neighbor that I don't know. The neighbor I do know, asked around. The neighbor who she belongs to, asked if we could keep her another day until he returns (elderly, out of town for doctors appointment). Of course, we don't mind at all. You were absolutely right about her being used to people. Truthfully, my wife asked me to see if she can be purchased and see if he has a male as well. Either way, we don't mind boarding her for a couple of days. She is eating anything we give her, corn, scratch and seems content. Thank you for your input, everything happens for a reason, for everything there is a season.

FYI, corn and scratch are not complete foods for turkeys or chickens. They should be considered treats and fed in limited quantity. Both are low protein and high fat foods.