Would My Turkeys Be Safe From Lightning Strikes?

[Le Moth]

I was planning on buying this outdoor dog run to convert in to a shelter for my turkeys to roost in.

However, I have a fear of lightning strikes and am needing to know if that is something that would kill them in this. It's made of galvanized steel, I was hoping to add tarps and a wooden roost.

I know the chance of a strike is small but we have had a few here.
Do you think something like this would increase the chance of a strike or would it be just as dangerous as them roosting in a tree?

 

[Chicalina]

I have no idea, but surely if you look at risks and probability, then they are much more at risk from predators if they free range than they are from the infinitessimally remote possibility of being struck directly by lightning? So putting them in a secure run is far safer, yes?

I am assuming they free range currently.

 

[Folly's place]

Lightening hits the highest points, and can travel from there too.
Predators are everywhere, more of a risk than lightening, IMO. Many people use chain link dog pens as part of their poultry runs, and unless it's set up on top of a hill, at very low risk of attracting lightening.
Mary

 

[Le Moth]

They are in a pen made up of 42 metres of movable fencing,

We don't really have many predators to worry about in NZ luckily, the dog run would be more for roosting at night.
I guess I already knew it wasn't much of a danger but I needed some reassurance because of my own fears.
Thank you very much

 

[Chicalina]

Sorry, I assumed you were in the US where predators are rife. I'm in the UK, so probably similar to you animal wise (except for the kiwis!). More sheep than people, right? lol

Those tall trees or power lines, or tall houses would catch any lightning before a 1.2m high fence. Actually, that is low, wouldn't they just roost in the trees anyway?

But I'm just feeding your anxiety here. Lightning strike is a rare occurrence and an infinitely small risk, so much so that you shouldn't even factor it in to any decisions you make. Just do what you think is best for your birds, outdoor setup and your own needs without reference to it at all.

What is it like having turkeys btw? Do you raise them for meat, or are they pets? I would love to have a bronze turkey for a pet. Even with that weird retracting face testicle, lol. I think they are fascinating.

 

[Le Moth]

Sorry, I assumed you were in the US where predators are rife. I'm in the UK, so probably similar to you animal wise (except for the kiwis!). More sheep than people, right? lol

Those tall trees or power lines, or tall houses would catch any lightning before a 1.2m high fence. Actually, that is low, wouldn't they just roost in the trees anyway?

But I'm just feeding your anxiety here. Lightning strike is a rare occurrence and an infinitely small risk, so much so that you shouldn't even factor it in to any decisions you make. Just do what you think is best for your birds, outdoor setup and your own needs without reference to it at all.

What is it like having turkeys btw? Do you raise them for meat, or are they pets? I would love to have a bronze turkey for a pet. Even with that weird retracting face testicle, lol. I think they are fascinating.

1.2 metres is low, the trees in their pen aren't really usable for roosting, there is a long plank of wood between 2 trees for them (you can't see it behind the little fejoa tree) There was a tarp but it tore a couple nights ago.

As for what it's like having the turkeys, I absolutely adore them, my white boy, Chicken) was hand raised from a day old and loves to hang out with people. My little hen, Nugget, is more independent since she was parent raised but is still friendly and does occasionally instigate games of chase with me and does some little zoomies when it's feeding time.

I find them to be very gentle and easy to work with.
I only have the two at the moment but I certainly like the males the most, they let me do stupid things like put present bows on their heads, as per the boy in my profile pic, or knit a scarf for them and do this

He runs from my knitting now though haha

 

[Chicalina]

omg that is ADORABLE!!