When to integrate?

[shelleyd2008]

I have 3 lilac turkeys that are about 5 months old. I believe I got them in the end of March, though I'm not sure. I also have 1 bronze/palm cross poult that is about 10 weeks old? The young one is maybe half as big as the other 3. I'm not sure how and when to put them together? The youngster has been outside for quite a while, in a pen with some same-aged chicks, so acclimating to the weather is not a problem. I'm just not sure how to go about adding 'her' (I think) to the group. Do turkeys pick on each other like chickens do?? These are my first ones

 

[BubAnna Angus]

For what it's worth: I haven't had a problem putting birds together if I add them when it's dark - when they go in for the night and just watch them for a bit. I would make sure your area is big enough for them too.
Yes, the group can decide that they don't like one particular bird - but my group will decide that this one is the outted bird today, and then another one will be outted the next day. In general, mine get along pretty well.
Just a note: this is only my second year of raising them......Right now, I'm trying to figure out to what to do with 2 three week old chicks. Currently, they are in the house in a dog crate.

 

[SaraF]

Most turkeys will pick on another for a while when you introduce a new one, regardless. They want to show dominance so they will strut around and sometimes even attack the other and biting their heads. I usually try to be there when we introduce another, incase they get to rough, but its going to happen. Its always easier to introduce them younger than older. and turkeys tend to accept hens better than toms becuase its not as much of a threat. I would go for it, if they are ok with it in 10mins your ok to go.

good luck

 

[bananamama]

They will probably be fine if you integrated now. Our 6 month old domestic turkeys and 8 week old wild/royal palm crosses, have been together for about 3 weeks and get along great. They were integrated slowly; for a week we put the little ones in the chicken trailer in the corner of the turkey barn, then under careful supervision we let the little ones out with the hens (only one hen at a time) in the barn. The hens were very curious and pecked at them a few times but overall it seemed as though their maternal instincts kicked in. Then the little ones were let out at for 4 night in the barn with all the turkeys. After they did well at night, we let them go. The three toms barely notice them, even when they're running between the Tom's legs. The hens are very motherly with them, watching over them to make sure they don't go too far and showing them all their favorite spots to forage. I was concerned about letting the little ones out with the big ones but the little ones are learning the rules of the property, their boundaries and also what is safe, like us.

I may have been a bit overly cautious, but I think allowing them to integrate at night with toms and hens was important to everyone getting along.

Let us know how things go!