Turkeys or ducks?

[Jdc361]

ok so I have 5 chickens(red sexlinks) and I LOVE them. I just can't stop my obsession. I want more so bad but I've been looking into ducks... And turkeys. So I'll have them for pets if I get them but what should I get??? Turkeys or ducks?? And what breeds do u recommend for pets?

 

[TattooedMama]

We just got ducks and turkeys recently. The ducks were a bummer because they were NOT friendly and we had a really hard time trying to hold them and get them use to us. They stink (A LOT) and can be super messy. Turkeys eat more than chickens and ducks and take up more room (an important consideration), that being said I recommend turkeys wholeheartedly. Turkeys are so much more friendly and personable than ducks or chickens in my opinion. My baby chicks run away screaming, the ducklings ran away frantically, the poults (baby turkeys) run to me to look at me and peck my fingers in genuine interest. I vote you get turkeys, hands down.

For turkeys the single most important point is that they must be HERITAGE turkeys. Heritage turkeys live long lives as pets. Some places, mostly feed stores, only sell Broad-Breasted varieties. The broad breasted varieties are a commercial strain of turkey bred to gain weight super fast for meat consumption. As a result they will not live long. They gain too much weight for their bodies to continue and they suffer leg problems (inclduing breaks), heart failure, etc. Some people accidentally buy these, put them on a diet and can stretch their life to around 2 years, but I doubt those people bought them on purpose; most tend to get them by accident, fall in love with them and then try to keep them alive as long as they can because they became loved pets. Heritage turkeys can live for 10 years and be productive for much of that.

You can see the huge array of color variations here: http://www.porterturkeys.com/

 

[JonathanL23]

Turkeys for sure. there more like chickens then ducks. and ducks always seem to spill water dishes trying to swim in them. Any heritage breed turkey is fine. Maybe bourbon red since you like red sex-links . which i have 7 of as well. there very nice friendly lay lots of eggs.

 

[torilovessmiles]

I'm gonna be different here and say ducks!
My experience with turkeys is limited to my uncle's farm as a child, being chased across his yard by two big toms over an empty bread bag. So I may be a wee bit biased!
I haven't had ducks for very long, but I love mine. I currently have two pekins and three mixed breeds, and they follow me everywhere! They are way different than the chickens, but I love that. I love watching them swim around! They don't like to be picked up much, but they're not fearful of me. I also love duck eggs (though my current ones aren't laying yet), especially for baking!
Really, I just think ducks are absolutely adorable and have cutely silly personalities, but they are pretty messy, I will admit.
My Rouens were my sweeter of the purebred ducks, but unfortunately were taken due to a dog attack. A lot of people like Call ducks as pets, but I don't own them myself.

 

[Jdc361]

Thank u all! It seems that I'm leaning toward turkeys. Is there any breed that doesn't fly well??

 

[TattooedMama]

Thank u all! It seems that I'm leaning toward turkeys. Is there any breed that doesn't fly well??

From my understanding all Heritage turkeys fly well. I have heard that Royal Palms are more flighty but that is not from personal experience, just what I read in my own research for choosing a breed.

 

[texas turkey]

I am a new turkey owner. I bought 10 narragansett turkeys and they are amazing. I only have 7 now, but it was due to a coon attack when they were younger. They are about 4 months old and and follow me and my kids everywhere. My six year old daughter picks them up and makes them sit in her lap. Most of the time, when I am outside they get in the porch swing and set beside me. We have several turkey selfies. I bought this breed due to the fact they are suppose to be a very docile breed and make good mothers. My husband also wants some for thanksgiving, though neither of us know how we are going to pick. They have the best personalities. They free range and put their selves to bed in their coup every night. We never did cut their wings due to the threat of another coon, but they never go far. I would also like to say I have chickens and ducks. They are fun, but not like turkeys. You are never going to find a duck or chicken trying to climb into your lap for a scratching!!!

 

[JonathanL23]

All heritage breeds can fly. but if you give them food , water & shelter they will stay. i never cut my turks wings.

 

[Hens rule]

I know this thread is old but...

I would say turkeys because ducks are mean and messy. I was going to get some ducks a year ago but one of the workers at tsc said they're really mean and can attack chickens and even people. I heard about one seriously hurting a young rooster.

Ducks fly south for winter so you wouldn't get as much time with them as turkeys and ducks can bring back diseases from their trip down south and give it to your chickens when they come back up. Ducks also poop everywhere.

Turkeys do eat slot but there much friendlier and will act as better pets and may become friends with your chickens.

 

[R2elk]

I know this thread is old but...

I would say turkeys because ducks are mean and messy. I was going to get some ducks a year ago but one of the workers at tsc said they're really mean and can attack chickens and even people. I heard about one seriously hurting a young rooster.

Ducks fly south for winter so you wouldn't get as much time with them as turkeys and ducks can bring back diseases from their trip down south and give it to your chickens when they come back up. Ducks also poop everywhere.

Turkeys do eat slot but there much friendlier and will act as better pets and may become friends with your chickens.

Domestic ducks don't fly south for the winter. Those that do leave typically don't ever make it back.