Wandering turkeys

[chickenJesss]

We have 5 toms and 3 hens. We are also incubating ten eggs so far. We live on 4 acres and are surrounded by 77 acres of hiking trails. Normally the turkeys stay around relitively close to our land. The other day a flock of at least 15 wild turkeys came through our yard. They were mingling and now we have been noticing our turkeys wandering VERY VERY far. They didnt co e home last night, we were soooo upset. We only had 2 pf the females here. My husband went out at 6 am and tracked them in the snow and luckily found them at least a mile or two away! Any tips on how to keep them in the yard? I always have food out. Ahhh i do 't know what to do!

 

[farm_mom]

Sad to say, if you have wild turkeys living in the area, short of fencing in your area, there is no way to keep them from wandering off with the local wild flock. My parent's neighbor had a problem the same as yours. He lost his entire flock of Royal Palm turkeys to the wild ones that came in. Weeks later, a local hunter bragged that he bagged an albino turkey in the area. He even had it stuffed! It turned out it was one of this farmer's Royal Palms. My parents also have free range chicken and turkeys. While their turkeys never got lured away, a hunter drove by, saw their tom displaying in their orchard, shot it and killed it right in front of my mother and drove off. If you're in an area with a wild flock and hunting you may want to consider a run for them or fencing in a certain area of your yard. Good luck!

 

[ivan3]

Definitely need a run with at least 6 ft. fencing. The toms rarely fly out and the hens that do, tend to stick around the `penned' flock. Hens also need to be provided with safe nesting location (all unauthorized nests destroyed and eggs moved to safe `nest') as they will more likely be eaten by preds, while on the nest, than wandering away with the Wilds. Ours were hand raised (first gen) and they and their offspring are intimidated by the Wilds (pic below - Wilds sauntering in to `visit' - our's crowded together on the right). We're going on 8yrs of close contact and no losses to wanderlust, yet. Best of luck!