What sex is my BR?

[barra060]

I read in another thread, that at any age if you pick them up and turn them on their backs, the hens will keep both feet close to the body (a defensive position), and the toms will extend either one or both of its feet. Also he will start to strut for a few minutes. Seeing the wings go down and the tail feathers up. Wait another month and he'll probably gobble. Also try googling turkey sexing. One word of caution (and I speak from experience...horribly) just that "s" word brought up a porn link that completely hijacked my computer when I clicked on it that I thought was about pheasants. If it says you're been infected, don't click to "remove" virus.

 

[kasiesmith]

The Turkey is already making crazy noises and I think it's calling? Could that be possible? I am going to try , turning it over.. Well I guess we will know for sure when spring comes and see if it lays eggs! Are Turkey hens more aggressive then Toms? I have googled it all, Dont get me wrong, I love everyone's suggestions, I am a new owner and it a lot of info to take in. I simply confused! Hahah I might just be plain ol" stupid. Haha. Now I have to figure out if I am going to house the turkey in with the chicken hens? Do turkeys like to sleep on the ground or in the coop with hens? Will the hens like it? Am I over thinking it all? Suggestion would be great! How can I keep my chicken hens happy and how do I keep the turkey happ as well?? I have 5 hens and 1 turkey what's the best living situation fr them all???

 

[barra060]

If you read enough into these threads, you will hear a lot about "biosecurity." As a medical professional, what this boils down to is using universal precautions when taking care of different poultry. I think this comes about when new ones are introduced to isolated birds. You don't really know how they were kept, treated, vaccinated, etc, so keep them isolated for awhile to make sure yours are safe. I keep quail in the run with my chickens, but they are in a cage. Most of my chickens have been separated from other flocks for months (years probably) so they probably don't harbor any carrier problems (blackhead for one). Most people will tell you don't mix. My suggestion is be cautious for both a physical and medical reason. Birds are usually territorial, and don't like new neighbors, even if its the same species. I would keep them away from each other for at least a couple of weeks, then introduce them in a "neutral" ground to see how they act before penning them up. That I speak from experience. The coons killed all but one of my pheasants. I put the last one with the chickens and they decided it was fourth meal. Wasn't too happy when I checked on them in the am.

Turkeys in the wild like to roost in the trees, so they will like to roost up higher. It's impressive to see them going in for the night 10 feet up!

I'd suggest getting another turkey if you can't keep them together. They are social animals and hate being alone. When I let the children play with the chicks (chickens and poults) I bring at least two so they won't go nuts just from that small amount of time!

 

[kasiesmith]

Perfect thanks for the good info..