We have 10 turkeys on 2 acres. The have the largest fenced run, with 6' fence, but at 6 weeks they started flying over the fence. We clip one wing on each, and after 5 days 6 of the ten were flying over the fence again. At that time they stayed in the yard, so while we were home we let them free range.
Last month, at age 4 months they started leaving the property. We are on a state highway with light traffic most of the day, moderate traffic a few times a day. Several times last month we were alerted to their location by honking cars. They have crossed the road, and been in the parking lot of a business down the road. Yesterday a truck broke down on the road behind the property and some were attempting to help the mechanic, others were in the road slowing traffic, safety cops?
I was leery about getting turkeys, but they are sweet, always want to be with us, have helped in the garden, painting the house, VERY helpful supervision on the second story, they were able to see what we couldn't from their prospective on the roof, they attempted to do some electrical work on the barn connection, but ended up snapping the line and taking out the entire barn electricity and DH had to climb up 30' in a 25mph wind to reconnect. Scary!
We got them for meat birds, but since they are heritage breeds they are growing at a slow rate and very active so it will be spring before they are large enough to butcher. This makes my DH very happy, he really likes them and is talking about more for next spring.
I wouldn't consider turkeys in a suburban setting with the experiences we have had.
Good luck with your decision.
