Wanted more in depth info on turkeys

[Mentzer6]

I just read the reviews of the Storey's Guide to Turkeys and not sure if it is the book for me. I want to know more about them and their behavior. I have 2 turkeys right now. I believe I have a Bourbon Red tom and a Narragansett hen. Do the toms always stay puffed out? Ours are around 6 months old and Red puffs and will gobble and drum. Nargy just walks around and sometimes will halfheartedly try to puff up, but no gobbling at all. And no paintbrush like thing on her chest either. I am just fascinated with these birds and could watch them all day. They are both friendly, hope they stay that way. Any advice or site you could point me to would be great! Just want to learn as much as I can.

Christy

 

[ivan3]

Since you are interested more in the ethology than the eating I'd suggest A.W. Schorger's book: http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Turkey-Its-History-Domestication/dp/080611097X Schorger was a detail oriented fellow. Some of his articles are available through SORA at the University of New Mexico: http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/index.php (just enter `turkey' as subject and Schorger `author). The Audubon article is interesting.

A couple of Websites: Wild Turkey Federation has some good info: http://www.nwtf.org/for_hunters/all_about_turkeys.html
Another site with some behavioral (`talk')descriptions: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/turkey/sound/turkeysound_index.html

Behavior of Wild Easterns and Heritage is nearly identical (most research/info available on web focuses on Wilds, e.g., Easterns/Rios etc. - Ocellated's are a bit different- so most studies on ethology on these are applicable to Heritage). Have been watching WE's, that come onto our property, on their rounds, and hang out for a couple hours at a time - primarily in Spring/Fall, for the past 17 years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8wbBvI7zKY

If they imprinted on you as poults you are part of the flock, so keep this in mind when assessing behavior.

Also: when searching for more in-depth info use: Meleagris Gallopavo ( Meliagrides were the sisters of Meleager and who were turned to birds after his death./ Latin: gallina: hen. gallus: cock/`pavo': peacock - birds displaying with their rectrices).