Turkeys attacking relative.

[Lu King]

I have a relative who has two male nine-month old turkeys that are free range. His wife got along with the turkeys up until lately. She got after the turkeys for attacking the cat, which is almost as big as the turkeys. Now, every time the turkeys sees the wife they run to her and start to attack her. Is this common? Do turkeys never forget when you have scolded them?

 

[boxermom]

Are they attacking or just pecking? My turks always ran to me then would peck at rings, zippers etc. They were never aggressive, but ALWAYS came running when they heard me. They especially liked to "help" when I hung laundry on the line.

 

[Lu King]

They are attacking and actually hurting her.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

i'm guessing it doenst have anything to do with her getting after him (btw my turkeys chase our barncats). its probably them just maturing and no they wont ever be snugly again. (sigh)

my tom turkey has always tried to kill me. but he loves my hubby. when i go into the turkey yard i always have my dogs with me and they keep him off me. its just ridiculous. crazy turkey.

tell her to get a broom and keep it with her when she is out there. eventually she'll learn that standing your ground is always the best defense...and they will learn she means business.

a short fence should keep them in - are the penned?

 

[eviered]

My Toms have started doing this too. The only one they like is my daughter who raised them. We are planning a turkey dinner soon. I am keeping only one Tom to see if that helps the aggressiveness. Makes you mad when you cuddle them as babies and they turn on you!

 

[pdpatch]

When you scolded them you challenged them, so they are trying to get dominance over you again.

With two Toms there is not enough room in there pecking order so they can move up and down and leave his wife a lone. I may help to get ride of one Tom, or add a Tom or two.
Two Tom's is just the wrong number to have.

Tom

 

[randomchick]

Hmm, maybe I should get some turkeys. I have a few relatives...mother-in-law...
Just joking, (I guess).

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

I have a few relatives...mother-in-law...

i tried to sic my gander on my MIL and it didnt work at all
;-)​

 

[Lu King]

Quote:
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No, they were not penned, and one half of the problem has been taken care of. A large white dog killed one of the males. I don't know how the lone male is acting now. He must be pretty lonesome because he was always with the male who was killed, and the two girls always stayed by themselves. The two groups never had anything to do with each other.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

oh gosh. sorry about the loss
:-(