Will a tom turkey protect my flock?

[ninjascrub69]

I was thinking about getting two turkeys (a tom and a hen) would the tom protect my flock of chickens from cats, coyotes, stray dogs ect. ? (and yes i know a turkey can't take on a coyote and win)

 

[TheFeatheredTempest]

I've heard that turkeys are awesome flock protectors. I'll be following this thread. Would love to hear from some people who have actual experience with this.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

The one thing they can be good at is discouraging hawk attacks. Since that's one of the predators that perimeter fencing doesn't help with, that's a really good thing. Unless they are young or bantams, cats usually aren't a problem. I wouldn't depend on a turkey for protection from coyotes or dogs, which are often not alone.

 

[ninjascrub69]

Quote:
good, i just saw a hawk this morning (perched on the coop). and i was just hoping for the tom to atack the coyotes or dogs long enough for the chickens to get back to the coop.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

A turkey would help only by the size factor. It would be no match for a coyote or stray dog - he would just be more to eat. They might go after your chickens first since the are smaller....it's hard to tell. You would be much better off getting fencing.

Steve