Turkeys in the yard . . . a better way?

[Jstpssng]

Each hen can have up to 18 chicks. That makes a lot of turkeys to disperse this time of year.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I have to agree with the fellow that said wild turkeys are best when deep fried. After having them that way, it's about the only way I want to have one.

Also, after growing up on a farm, being the youngest, and raising chickens, I was always the one that had to pluck them for the pot (after about age 6 or 8). Bear in mind, we only ate the ones that were too old to lay eggs anymore, or roosters that weren't "productive". So they were tough as leather, and I had to pluck the dang things. As an adult, it took me a long time to want to eat chicken (wife's oven fried chicken changed my life ). Anyway, I vowed I would never pluck another bird when I left the farm, and I never have. I skin them. Turkeys, quail, doves, ducks, (and now) pheasants. I skin them instead of plucking them.

 

[the old grind]

Each hen can have up to 18 chicks. That makes a lot of turkeys to disperse this time of year.

In more than a few places raccoons will trim reproduction numbers considerably no matter how big the clutches. I seen groups of up to a dozen with a single hen, 15 or 16 accompanied by two adults. If the coyotes are back I'll be lucky to see as many as in years past. I'm out to protect the few that can survive.

 

[Jstpssng]

In more than a few places raccoons will trim reproduction numbers considerably no matter how big the clutches.

For whatever reason the raccoon population is down around here. They haven’t bothered my poultry at all this summer, and my meat birds weren’t at all secure.

 

[TheMan419]

We have four that are roaming our property right now. They strut around like they own the place. At those numbers they are not a nuisance so we just ignore them. The horses have learned to just heard them out of the paddock.

We have not had any around for a couple years. So must be a down cycle for coyotes this year.... which I am ok with.

Having 30 roaming the property would likely not be a good situation. It appears if they were a nusance we would need a special permit in Indiana to take them. During regular huting season you are allowed 2. We are in the part of the state that allows shotgun hunting of them.

I suspect if they were really a problem between us and the neighbors the SSS method would work well.

 

[beowulf]

An update: Well, there were about 20 in the yard again yesterday. After I fired two shotgun blasts above them they left --- for about 10-15 minutes. So I fired three more shots - this time in front of them so that some dirt scattered - and they left again but did not return. So, today, we shall see if they come back. Years ago it was rare to see any turkeys at all - then began seeing groups of 5-8 or so. The past three years there are very large groups visiting regularly. We do have coyotes in the area but not sure they are doing much for the turkeys. Also have a lot of bunnies every day in the yard but those don't bother us - and they are sort of tame by now - hop around ignoring us and eating grass or fallen fruit or whatever.

Anyway, thanks again for weighing in with comments. Lets me know I am not alone and that there may be solutions.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^
It’s rather impressive to see so many birds of that size all lift off at once!

 

[the old grind]

I've found that shooting cheap bottle rockets ('with report') toward geese or turkeys is as good a deterrent as a firearm for scaring 'em off tho' "Nothing lasts forever including balloons and a good time". Any method takes some due diligence to get the most from.

Example: Floating gator head and a fabric decoy laid flat near it need to be moved every other day or so to be a most effective goose defense. Some birds will respond to other birds' warning(s), can make stalking predators difficult. Bluejays seem among the best at getting a recognizable alarm call out, just ahead of redwing blackbirds. Neither are very sociable except among their own kind. btw, I've only seen the latter ever harass turkeys in 21 yrs.

 

[ponytug]

The gator head reminded me of a prank video

But, yes, decoys need to be moved. Gemplers has coyote decoys that move with the wind.

Raccoons came through a few days ago and stripped all the fruit off one of our netted apple trees, and off a fig. They left a calling card at the base of the apple tree. I hate to trap them as we are next to open space, but there are times...

All the best,

Peter

 

[oosik]

A fellow at the local grocery store told me he makes "turkey jerky" out of the wild turkeys he bags. Uses the beef recipe - substitutes turkey. Said it is a great way to use the entire turkey. Will be bringing me a sample next time I'm in town.

If it's that good - all the turkeys that trot thru my yard better watch their step.