Royal Palm Tom

[irischick]

This is our first full season with these beauties. Our hen is sitting on 12 eggs. Right now the tom is gobbling at every sound made outside. Will this chatter die down after spring season? Also, any preparations for when the eggs hatch - keep the tom in the pen with them?

Thanks, Karen

 

[silkie1472]

Yes, the tom will calm down, but until their breeding season is over, just know that he will gobble non stop. Wild turkeys usually gobble for 2-3 months, then will almost stop until the next breeding season. Domesticated (tame) turkeys will gobble year round, but will usually calm down after their breeding season. (My turkey never did calm down. He hobbled all day, everyday)

As for the chicks hatching, it depends on the turkeys themselves. If the tom is ageless I've at all, it may be wise to move him temporarily. Also, turkeys are extremely prone to diseases such as blackhead, so make sure that they are not around chickens and that all of their surrounding and utilities (waterers, feeders) are clean.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My toms continue to gobble away at every sound. The oldest is 8. They don't get quieter. They really enjoy the sounds of construction.

I don't let my turkey hens hatch because it doesn't always go well, so be around and ready in case you need to step in and rescue the poults. Not every hen is a good mom.

 

[R2elk]

This is our first full season with these beauties. Our hen is sitting on 12 eggs. Right now the tom is gobbling at every sound made outside. Will this chatter die down after spring season? Also, any preparations for when the eggs hatch - keep the tom in the pen with them?

Thanks, Karen

The tom should be removed as soon as the hen goes broody. There may be a few exceptions but most toms will take the hen lying down as an invitation to breed. The unwanted breeding attempts can lead to broken eggs and a wounded or at the worst a dead hen.

 

[irischick]

UPDATE - well after much observation and our hen sitting on the eggs- we had 11 out of 12 hatch. The tom is protective of her and does not bother her or the chicks at all. When we go in or pass through their area - he almost stands guard for them. We lost one egg to it getting broken. We just lost a poult to a prolapse problem. Mom and dad are being great parents. Thanks for all your help and advice. Much appreciated.

karen