Turkeys in the yard . . . a better way?

[beowulf]

While it is immensely entertaining to watch my wife chase turkeys out of the yard while throwing pine cones and yelling, I am wondering if there is not a more efficient way to keep them out. This morning we counted 31. They seem quite comfortable coming through a few times every day. And they are now also setting off our gate alarm (about 850' away) so that is also a bit annoying. We don't mind them too much, but recently they have decided my wife's flower beds is the place they prefer.

The dog doesn't seem that interested unless we are also chasing them. Not a huge problem, but just interested in options.

 

[AWSubie]

Shoot one or two and the rest will get the message.

 

[fried1765]

Shoot one or two and the rest will get the message.

They are Dxx good eating too, if properly cooked!

 

[Doughknob]

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Turkeys are great for clearing out insects. Be glad you have them.

 

[Jstpssng]

They generally won’t go over fence so circling the offended area with several strands of wire at 6”, 18, 30, and 42” heights should discourage them.
Or chicken wire.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

They come through my yard regularly; although not so much this year. Worst complaint I have is they poop on the driveway. They do keep the bugs down.

 

[ponytug]

We use an IR activated motion detection sprinkler. (Orbit 62100) Lousy design (water on top of the electronics, so the electronics get wet), but it works well.

You can get depredation permits for turkeys. They are supposed to be smart birds, so they probably will get the hint quickly. Then again they love pecking at their reflections in stainless all day long.

All the best,

Peter

 

[skipmarcy]

The turkeys like our flower beds too (hens) so I started putting a bunch of short pieces of rebar standing up in them until they get full-up with flowers. They are just taking a dust bath, used to get into the garden a lot too but the electric fence taught them very quickly.

 

[beowulf]

Thanks for the responses. Rebar idea caused me to remember we have some bird spikes left over so can try that in the flower beds.

Fencing entire area not feasible - much too large.

I have told my wife about how they will eat bugs (and I have heard- small snakes) and she gets that but main issue, I guess, is the flower beds and the poop.

Still, it was fun yesterday watching my wife and daughter using swimming pool water canons to chase them away. It seemed to work for a while. They were having a bit of fun as well.

If this year is like other years they will be here for a month or so and then will move on.