Which turkeys are pets?

[Chickem707]

Looking to get a few turkey hens to keep my now lone rooster company. When doing research on turkey breeds, I’m finding it difficult to know which are just meat breeds. I want turkeys that are pets, not meat birds, and I know a lot of turkeys are bred to be meat birds so i want to know if there is a specific breed that is just a pet, and will be healthy and not develop any health conditions associated with meat birds, thanks.

 

[Wezdin]

Broad breasted are meat birds, I'm not a turkey guy, but as far as i know a bourbon red is a good pet breed.

 

[Molpet]

Not sure they would be good company for a rooster. Depends on the individual birds temperament.
My turkey hens take offense when a rooster trys to romance them. They chase him all over the 700x150 ft poultry yard.

 

[R2elk]

Looking to get a few turkey hens to keep my now lone rooster company. When doing research on turkey breeds, I’m finding it difficult to know which are just meat breeds. I want turkeys that are pets, not meat birds, and I know a lot of turkeys are bred to be meat birds so i want to know if there is a specific breed that is just a pet, and will be healthy and not develop any health conditions associated with meat birds, thanks.

If you want companions for your rooster, get chickens.

 

[hgequest]

So - for the record, I have 2 Broad Breasted Whites that have been the most lovely pets. Personable, affectionate, and incredibly smart. Yes, they are bred for meat, but other than their unfortunate genetic muscling, they are completely worthy of being pets as well!

 

[HappyDuckie]

Looking to get a few turkey hens to keep my now lone rooster company. When doing research on turkey breeds, I’m finding it difficult to know which are just meat breeds. I want turkeys that are pets, not meat birds, and I know a lot of turkeys are bred to be meat birds so i want to know if there is a specific breed that is just a pet, and will be healthy and not develop any health conditions associated with meat birds, thanks.

When you say rooster, do you happen to mean a male turkey?

 

[Molpet]

So - for the record, I have 2 Broad Breasted Whites that have been the most lovely pets. Personable, affectionate, and incredibly smart. Yes, they are bred for meat, but other than their unfortunate genetic muscling, they are completely worthy of being pets as well!

The bb temperament makes great pets, but they are Heartbreakers with all the leg and heart problems. I had to put mine down at 18 months because she got too big for her legs.

 

[hgequest]

The bb temperament makes great pets, but they are Heartbreakers with all the leg and heart problems. I had to put mine down at 18 months because she got too big for her legs.

Ugh I am sorry. Mine are 7 months right now and I knew from the beginning they may not live that long, but I've enjoyed every day with them. It is very unfair that they are prone to so many issues. It pains me that they go through what they do...they are so, so wonderful (as I'm sure all turkey breeds are, though), and I know mine may not make it that long, but I'm glad I have been able to give them a different life.

 

[Bo Garrett]

I think others here will agree with me that turkeys are not intended to be pets as are dogs, cats, etc... They are a livestock animal and while domesticated still maintain some fear of mankind and will react negatively at times. Broad breasted birds are intended to live for a short time and then be slaughtered, they are a terminal cross with a sole purpose. If you do get turkeys, get heritage breeds that are lighter in weight and do not experience the physical health problems of broad breasted birds. Bronze, Bourbon Red, Slate, Black, Royal Palm, etc... are examples of heritage turkeys, most hatcheries sell them in the spring as day olds, if you want grown or started birds you'll have to find a breeder and purchase from the farm.

Blessings,

Bo

 

[yesterDAYNE]

I think others here will agree with me that turkeys are not intended to be pets as are dogs, cats, etc... They are a livestock animal and while domesticated still maintain some fear of mankind and will react negatively at times. Broad breasted birds are intended to live for a short time and then be slaughtered, they are a terminal cross with a sole purpose. If you do get turkeys, get heritage breeds that are lighter in weight and do not experience the physical health problems of broad breasted birds. Bronze, Bourbon Red, Slate, Black, Royal Palm, etc... are examples of heritage turkeys, most hatcheries sell them in the spring as day olds, if you want grown or started birds you'll have to find a breeder and purchase from the farm.

Blessings,

Bo

I have to respectfully disagree with you! I think any poultry can be amazing pets just like dogs or cats. A lot of dogs or cats are also very fearful of human contact and react negatively (dog bites, cat bites or scratches). If you get a bird, be it a pigeon, chicken, goose, duck or turkey-- if you take the time to raise them, condition them, love and care for them, they make wonderful pets. Of course, bearing in mind that just like all animals each one is an individual. Some are easier to be made into pets than others. People have to also take into mind what they need- Turkey companionship, living arrangements, common research of the species of pet you want should always be a first. There is nothing wrong with raising them just for livestock, but I think saying they are only meant to be livestock and do not make very good pets is a bit misleading and disheartening to a lot of us who are showing people that other domesticated birds that you don't normally think about make great pets!

I hope you dont take this as me being rude, I am trying to come off as nice but text can be hard to convey emotions sometimes! You seem really knowledgeable about turkeys yourself and I know I'm in the minority in a livestock forum, but I think it's nice to hear from the perspective of someone who keeps then purely as pets and raises them as such as well! ^^