Turkey rubbing off feathers

[WoDia]

Thank you very much! Hopefully he grows to love it.

I'm definitely teying the treat idea!

There is a turkey bath in the back corner and another you can't see. It is an effort to keep momma out of the garden

I really appreciate your help and time

Give him some time. They’re going to get used to their new home… and you. Keep updating! Would like to hear how they are doing.

 

[MamaPoult]

Thanks for the tag @WoDia ! I agree with that your Turkey is stressed. Maybe offer since goodies! My turks love things like watermelon rinds something that takes them a long time to eat. Also spending time with them helps. Mine will be really mad if I don't go out there every day and love on them. Turkeys like quality friendships❤. I think he'll settle in eventually! Is there anything you could put over the fence?? Like something soft?

 

[Turkey Grandma]

Thanks for the tag @WoDia ! I agree with that your Turkey is stressed. Maybe offer since goodies! My turks love things like watermelon rinds something that takes them a long time to eat. Also spending time with them helps. Mine will be really mad if I don't go out there every day and love on them. Turkeys like quality friendships❤. I think he'll settle in eventually! Is there anything you could put over the fence?? Like something soft?

Thank you momma poult!

I think time is a big deal. He's always happiest if he's right by us and would just as soon live on the deck lol.

I am going to start on strategic treat placement for sure. I wonder if I covered his favorite spots on the fence with a sheet if it would discourage the rubbing, hhmmm I'll think about this!

I appreciate your time!

 

[MamaPoult]

Thank you momma poult!

For sure!

I think time is a big deal. He's always happiest if he's right by us and would just as soon live on the deck lol.

Aww that's so cute

I am going to start on strategic treat placement for sure. I wonder if I covered his favorite spots on the fence with a sheet if it would discourage the rubbing, hhmmm I'll think about this!

Those are both good thoughts! I hope he settles in well soon!

I appreciate your time!

It's my pleasure!

 

[Pearlescent]

I know I’m a bit late, but I have a hen who does this. She’s human imprinted and just wants to be with us. But she only does it when she sees me or hears me.
Is he really friendly? Does he love cuddles? That usually helps my hen. This last one probably won’t work because he’s a Tom, but after the hen and my Tom bred she stopped, now she knows she’s a turkey, and actually feels safe around him, like she does around me.

Edit: also, how close is the pen to your house?

 

[Turkey Grandma]

Thank you for your reply! I fully believe its because he wants to be where we are. I heard a neighbood rumor he was raised inside during COVID. I essentially gave them half the back yard so we are in full view.

I let him out if I'm working in the yard (pretty much daily) he just follows me around but otherwise he has to be in the fence because i dont like him on the deck.

I visit them in their kingdom several times a day and have tried to offer other entertainment, including water and treats away from the fence line buy no luck on breaking the habit yet.

Maybe I'm rewarding his behavior by letting him out..

And as far as cuddles, he loves his head rubbed!

 

[Pearlescent]

Thank you for your reply! I fully believe its because he wants to be where we are. I heard a neighbood rumor he was raised inside during COVID. I essentially gave them half the back yard so we are in full view.

I let him out if I'm working in the yard (pretty much daily) he just follows me around but otherwise he has to be in the fence because i dont like him on the deck.

I visit them in their kingdom several times a day and have tried to offer other entertainment, including water and treats away from the fence line buy no luck on breaking the habit yet.

Maybe I'm rewarding his behavior by letting him out..

And as far as cuddles, he loves his head rubbed!

I think he’ll get better eventually, does he have any interest in the hen?

Letting him out isn’t rewarding his behavior, but I’d say don’t do it too frequently, because then he’ll get used to that and want it more.
Usually I throw some treats into the pen when I’m outside, and the birds are occupied with that. But I’ve never had a super clingy tom, so it’s probably not the same solutions. My hen got a lot better after she warmed up to the tom. She hangs out with him instead of me. If he has interest in the hen, but she doesn’t return it, maybe get a 2nd hen.

 

[Turkey Grandma]

He hadn't been showing a lot of interest but she's been broody since they moved in and is currently separated with her babies.

All 14 babies are leaving tomorrow. I wanted to keep 2 hens but since I can't be sure I've decided against it. I worry about fights, I'm totally not equipped for that lol.

Fingers crossed they will entertain eachother after she mourns the loss of her babies.

I really appreciate the ideas and conversation! Getting thrown into turkeys has been an experience!