To clip or not to clip?

[hunsbergerchick]

I'm new to the turkey world. I recently got five turkeys (4 hens 1 Tom). Two of the hens like to "fly the coop" around late afternoon. They stay in all day it's only when it's getting closer to evening time that they go out. I have wild turkeys out here and I don't wanna lose them. Should I clip their wings or fence in the top?

 

[cassidy22]

I'd try fencing the top. I hate to clip wings, but if you need to do that to keep them safe, then do it. You can't stop a turkey from trying to sleep in the trees or lay eggs in the woods - so if you have to physically restrain them, then do it.

 

[cecosugi]

I had a similar dilemma. My hen would "bound" over our fence, then up on to our cars. Not so cool.

I have a 6' no climb fence. I don't know how much you would have to add to the top of your fence to ensure they would not get over it. That would be a shame if you added to the top...but it wasn't enough.

I ended up clipping my hen's wing (on one side). That was last fall, and I haven't clipped it again. I kind of think she broke the habit, and doesn't realize her wing feathers have grown out again.

 

[hunsbergerchick]

Our fence is already about ten feet high and those hens are up and over it like nothing. It's only the two who do it though.