will turkeys freerange and return to coupe?

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Oh ok. Good that everything is still ok. Just checking on them. Thanks for the update.

 

[vtgirls]

I have been following this thread - so happy the vacationing turkeys returned!

I have 5 Narragansett (one is actually a bronze mix) and I have been letting them out each day for about an hour and then calmy herding them back into the coop/tractor set up they have lived in since they feathered in. They were hatched in August so are now just about 5 and a half months old. I've two toms and three hens.

Yesterday is the first day they were out at the same time as the 4 laying chickens and one roo. Mr Roo did indeed let all know where HIS territory is, and the toms (3x his size at least) deferred to him. I want to let them out all day but worry about a vacation too! We live in a mountainous and rather wild area, in our front yard we've had black bear, fox and so on.

Will they definately fly to safety? They have yet to actually fly at all, though yesterday they "tested" out their wings and lifted about 2 feet off and about 10 limear feet.

Does anyone think I will have trouble because of the wild turkeys around here (we have about 30 roost in pines down the drive some nights) - like will they take off with them?

I feed them organic turkey pellet, and lots of treats, the favorite is raisins - so I know if they can see me with anything resembling food they will come running - but I am so worried they might get eaten or take off.....

 

[slc]

I hatch some chickens with the turkeys. As they mature they form their own flock. The turkeys learn from the chicks and they will roost like chickens. My turkeys have always returned with the chickens to the poultry house at dusk.

 

[kiwi-chookn]

well..........some sad news
The door to the pen blew open again in the last cyclone that just went through,they both got out and the tom was killed by one of my dogs.....poor thing..........so now the dog goes.
Its the third time he has done it,last time it was 3 scovies,3 turkeys,and 14 chooks,all in one hit!!!

So my hen has a couple of my second generation CX x orps for company till I can buy another tom for her.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Oh nooooooooooooooooo!!!! I'm so sorry to hear that.

So sorry for your loss.

Bad doggie.

I hope everything works out for you whatever you decide to do. I wished that you lived closer to me, I would give you one of my toms. Keep us posted.

 

[ColbyNTX]

Sorry to hear about that. I have had to get rid of a few dogs before also. When I rehomed them, I told the people if you rais birds, this dog is not for you! My red blood hound and a blue heeler.

 

[chickenannie]

Quote:
Awesome pic! They look right at home....

 

[chocolate chips]

I am having issues with getting mine to stay or go in at night when the chickens and the chickens and turkeys are free range but the turkeys won't go in at night and I have to pick them up and put them in.

 

[R2elk]

I am having issues with getting mine to stay or go in at night when the chickens and the chickens and turkeys are free range but the turkeys won't go in at night and I have to pick them up and put them in.

My turkeys sleep on their outdoor roosts at night regardless of the weather.