Really odd Narragansett turkey behaviors?

[Pinkbow1]

Hey, I'm new to this site. I've been searching around online forums for some help with my Narragansett Turkeys poults, but haven't found anything accurate so far. Actually haven't found anything what so ever.
Last month I purchased 4 Narragansett turkeys from a local, for $25. They were just born in late spring, so as you can guess they're still developing into their full size and feathers. I LOVE turkeys because they're wonderful curious & social creatures. I've raised about 15 before I got these turkeys that I have now. Except these turkeys aren't like the others. They're really different. I've had Narragansett's before, and they were not as unfriendly and skittish as these ones are. I was really disappointed when I got these birds. At first I thought them being skittish was just a phase since their in a new home now, but they're still REALLY shy. They don't run up to me when I approach them, not even when I have food. And they don't follow me when I walk away like my previous turkeys did. They'll eat out of my hand like my other birds do, but if I try and feed one turkey at a time from my hand they refuse to approach me. I don't understand how to fix their constantly scared behavior towards me. I spend so much time with my birds that it's unbelievable that they still won't calm down, and not hide whenever someone is near their pen. I'm currently trying to re-home them. Unless I can find a cure for this behavior I don't really want them. I have 30+ birds to feed, and it's just not worth paying for feed for them if they're going to be unpleasant. All I want are a few friendly turkeys, as I stated above, I love turkeys. I hope I can figure something out, before I decide to give them away. Any ideas? I need desperate help. I don't necessarily WANT to get rid of them, but they might belong with someone else more suited for their behavior. Did I traumatize them by taking them from their home/parents?

 

[chicmom]

You know, I think it has to do with breeding. I've had this experience with some silkie chicks. They never warmed up to me. They were TERRIFIED when I came near their brooder! Cowering in fear no matter how often I approached them, fed them and talked to them, they just never came around.

I believe you're describing the same problem I had, only with poults. I would rehome them too, unless you plan on eating them, because I do think this standoffish behavior is in their breeding.

Just my humble opinion,
Sharon

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Last month I purchased 4 Narragansett turkeys from a local, for $25.

These other 15 turkeys that you've raised. Did you hatch them yourself or raise them from a very young age?

It sounds to me like you simply haven't had these new birds long enough for them to feel comfortable around you. Repeated good exposure will eventually accomplish what you want. Right now you are still suspect in their eyes until you've proven you are not a danger. This takes time and repeated good experiences. It's also easier if you start with young poults.

 

[Pinkbow1]

I've had them for several weeks now. I rescued a Blue Swedish Duck about two weeks ago and he warmed up to me right away, but now he's catching on to the turkeys cautious behavior, because the turkeys send warnings to each other when I'm in the pen. I don't think they're going to be worth keeping. I don't want to keep them if they aren't going to be a pleasure to be around. And if they're going to teach my other birds to be cautious of me as well. I don't pick them up or do anything to frighten them.

They were hatched by their previous owner, from his own turkey trio. The turkey poults he gave me were 3 males and 1 female. I'm probley going to sell the males and keep the female. She doesn't act as cautious as the males, but still won't let me touch her.

I'm looking for turkeys as pets. These ones aren't coming around. I'll give them as much time as I possibly can, but if someone calls on the ad with a good deal/trade, I'll probley go for it. Thanks for your help!!!