OK, so I figured out that turkeys can be trained (somewhat). I have trained my Bourbon Reds to be let out of their pens at various times to free-range, and then to go back in.... well, with a little herding. Turns out they are MUCH easier to herd than chickens or guinea fowl!
Their eyesight is super, and so I use two sticks (one in each hand) to guide them where I want them to go. Yes, I look like a dork, but after a few days of this, they all seem to get the hang of it, and I can take them to where I want them. It has come in very useful on many occasions. I am able to let the birds out (even if they have poults) for an hour or two, to eat grass, grit, and dust-bathe, before putting them back in their pen. They know the routine so well, that when they see me coming, they head right on off to their pens.
I use 3-4 foot long sticks and make a "V" shape (I am the bottom 'point' of the V). I've also noticed it helps to stay back a few feet and to go slowly if I have a large group -- say 5 to 9 turkeys. By the way, don't try this with chickens... It doesn't work at all! Just thought I'd share, in case anyone else wanted to be a turkey-training dork with me!!
Their eyesight is super, and so I use two sticks (one in each hand) to guide them where I want them to go. Yes, I look like a dork, but after a few days of this, they all seem to get the hang of it, and I can take them to where I want them. It has come in very useful on many occasions. I am able to let the birds out (even if they have poults) for an hour or two, to eat grass, grit, and dust-bathe, before putting them back in their pen. They know the routine so well, that when they see me coming, they head right on off to their pens.
I use 3-4 foot long sticks and make a "V" shape (I am the bottom 'point' of the V). I've also noticed it helps to stay back a few feet and to go slowly if I have a large group -- say 5 to 9 turkeys. By the way, don't try this with chickens... It doesn't work at all! Just thought I'd share, in case anyone else wanted to be a turkey-training dork with me!!