tom coming after us....

[chickenlittle32]

I have a 2 yr old standard bronze that has recently started to come after us and what I feel is to attack us. He has never done this before...we've had him for 1 1/2 yrs. We were even able to hand feed him and now my boys can't even walk in the run alone. What is going on with him and can I fix it?

 

[toredano]

Maybe he is challenging you for alpha poition
Maybe he is letting you know he doesnt like your perfume.
Maybe he is letting you know he likes your perfume and wants to have some private time with you .
Maybe he is telling you that your boys are wearing your perfume and he is confused..


Seriously..

 

[ScoobyRoo]

I always want to say "if you don't run, they wont chase you". My turkeys follow me EVERYWHERE when I'm in the yard. I thought my cat was bad when he pestered me by rubbing up against my face when I'm weeding, but the turkeys???? They are worse but in a good way. Stand up to him and see what he does.

 

[MandyH]

We had one do that too and he had to be removed from the farm. He tried to go after my 3 year old one day and she ran and so did he. Oh it was a sight to behold indeed. A 3 year old running for her life and a 2 year old tom right on her heels LOL!!!! It's funny now because I ran like the wind and knocked him sideways about two steps before he got her. THEN he started challenging me EVERYTIME I went to feed, that was his fatal mistake. I know have 3 toms and so far they know the rules, but every Spring I am extra cautious.

 

[chickenlittle32]

I have stood up to him. He still comes after me. He's always followed us...allowed the kids to "pet" him...etc...we called him spoiled...but now the last 2 or 3 days now, his feathers around his neck stick up...he makes a different noise and lowers his head and walks back and forth coming toward us...like we'd be a threat of some sort.

 

[chickenlittle32]

Quote:

Thanks for the laugh...

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

sounds like someone's comin for dinner! hee hee hee

get a big stick to defend yourself with or pen him in

and yes isnt it sad? ours went from snugly to mean mean mean when the breeding season hit. we hoped he'd get over it but he still challenges me all the time. but my hubby? that stupid tom just LOVES him! and my hubby didnt snuggle him! i did!

malcontent.

and yes he is challenging/going after you. if you have kids be careful - it would not be worth it to have your little ones knocked down or scratched. seriously i bring the dogs with me and i have a stick in my hand when i go into their pen. some people have nothing but loving toms - but we didnt get one
:-(

he's great with the turkey hens so we're keeping him but we dont have kids.

good luck!

MandyH - you're my new hero! yay you!

 

[chickenlittle32]

When I go into the run, I have started to carry a stick..he seems to not be very afraid of it...I've even hit him with it he will back off for a lil bit...but then comes back for more.

 

[Jolyn]

We have two turkeys.....they are making my decision to eat them for Thanksgiving easy. They too have become aggressive. They peck me and when i defend myself they don't back down they come after me. Have done the same to the kids. They are young too. They have been given a good home and treated nicely....but they are just jerks.

Today i had my bunny wrapped in a towel and when i put the bunny down and walked away with the towel hanging down they charged it/me and i hit them with it to get out of there.

Anyway mine are for food....and they are making it very easy to go through with.

 

[chickenzoo]

What does he do when he comes after you? Is he biting you, flogging you? Can you pick him up and carry him around, yes I know they are heavy, but I am 5'1 and carry mine... LOL. Can you press him down on the ground in the female turkey submissive position? That might help get the point across that you are Alpha. Also, if you can, only feed him when he is being nice. If he starts to challenge you, take away the food and step towards him and herd him towards a corner, etc. Stand over the food.

Often, giving food and then leaving makes them think they've chased you off.....