I remember when our kids begged us to add a couple of turkeys to our flock. While the idea sounded fun, we decided to stick with chickens since our setup wasn’t ready for turkeys. But it got me thinking: Can chickens and turkeys live together?
As a backyard chicken keeper, protecting your flock from predators is a constant concern. Some owners wonder if adding a turkey could act as a feathered bodyguard. Turkeys have an imposing presence and intimidating spur weapons. So will keeping a tom provide your hens an extra layer of protection?
There are pros and cons to consider when debating turkeys as guardians Read on to learn if a turkey protector is right for your flock
Do Toms Act as Lookouts and Sound the Alarm?
Turkeys can serve as vigilant sentinels scanning for potential danger Their excellent vision gives them an advantage spotting threats like hawks, cats or loose dogs from a distance
Once alerted, toms will sound a series of alarmed putts and yelps. This may scare off predators and alert chickens to take cover.
However, the warning calls can become a nuisance in populated areas. Neighbors may complain about the racket.
Will a Tom Confront Intruders?
Toms are equipped with intimidating spurs and can be aggressive, particularly in spring. A tom may attempt to fend off ground predators if the hens appear threatened.
Some owners have witnessed their gobbler chasing dogs or facing off with foxes to defend the flock. But success depends on the size and temperament of the predator.
Against mid-sized predators like possums, raccoons or cats, an aggressive tom’s bluffing displays and confrontational attitude may persuade them to look for easier prey.
But toms are unlikely to physically battle larger predators like coyotes and dogs. Their presence alone is not guaranteed to deter these threats. Securing your birds in a predator-proof run or coop remains key.
Can Turkeys Serve as Human Protectors?
A watchful tom may sound alarm calls if unknown humans approach the flock.
Some owners have also reported aggressive toms attempting to chase or intimidate unrecognized visitors, especially during breeding season.
However, this behavior is not reliable enough to depend on for property security. Toms are still instinct-driven birds, not trained guard dogs. Any aggressive reaction could be a liability risk to visitors.
Are There Downsides to Keeping a Guard Turkey?
While the idea of 24/7 feathered security seems appealing, there are trade-offs:
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The Noise – Gobbling and other vocalizations may bother neighbors.
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Aggression – Toms may attack unfamiliar pets, children or guests.
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Space – Turkeys require more housing and range space than chickens.
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Mating Attempts – Amorous toms may pursue hens aggressively, risking injury.
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Disease Transmission – Turkeys can carry and transmit diseases like blackhead to chickens, with fatal consequences.
Overall, the hazards outweigh the limited protection a turkey may offer. Adding a guard dog specifically trained for the purpose is a safer route for those wanting increased flock security.
Protection Tips for Chicken Owners
While turkeys make amusing additions to a backyard flock, avoid depending on them as true protectors. Here are more reliable ways to safeguard your chickens:
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Construct a sturdy, predator-proof coop and run using 1/2″ hardware cloth.
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Use motion sensor lights and alarms to deter nocturnal prowlers.
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Lock birds in coops at night when they’re most vulnerable.
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Install electric poultry net fencing around runs and ranges.
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House smaller bantams and chicks indoors until grown.
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Supervise free-ranging birds or confine them when unattended.
With proactive measures, you can enjoy your flock while minimizing risks. Raising chickens remains a rewarding experience with the proper precautions.
Yes, But There Are Challenges
The short answer is yes, turkeys and chickens can live together under the right conditions. Many people have successfully raised mixed flocks. However, if you don’t have the proper setup, things can get a little tricky. Here are some factors to consider when raising chickens and turkeys together.
1. Provide Enough Space Both turkeys and chickens need ample space to roam and forage. Make sure to provide enough space in the coop and outdoor area to prevent overcrowding and potential aggression. Chickens need 4 square feet per bird in the coop and 10 square feet in the run. Turkeys are quite a bit bigger than chickens and therefore require about 6-10 square feet of coop space per bird and around 10-25 square feet of run space per bird. If you free range your flock, that seems best if you have a mixed flock. It gives everyone all the room they need to forage for yummy snacks and to get away from one another if needed.
2. Feed Them Separately Turkeys have different nutritional requirements than chickens. It’s important to provide separate feed for turkeys to ensure they are getting the right balance of nutrients. This can be a bit tricky if you’re trying to keep them from eating one another’s food. I’d recommend separate feeding areas for each and then let them free range after feeding time.
3. Watch for Health Issues Turkeys are susceptible to certain diseases that chickens can carry without showing symptoms, such as Blackhead disease (histomoniasis) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. These diseases can be fatal for turkeys, making regular health checks essential to prevent their spread. Keeping a close eye on your flock and maintaining good biosecurity practices can help protect your turkeys from these threats. Always consult with a veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness in your birds!
4. Monitor Behavior During Breeding Season Turkeys and chickens have different social structures and behaviors. While chickens tend to be more social and establish a pecking order, turkeys can become more aggressive, particularly during the breeding season in the spring from February through early June. Of course, breeding season can vary depending on the region and the arrival of spring. Make sure to monitor their interactions to prevent any aggression. This can also be a danger to your hens if the turkeys get aggressive. Your chickens could get injured or even die under the wrath of an aggressive turkey, so some people separate their flocks during this time.
5. Provide Proper Roosting Space Turkeys prefer higher roosting areas compared to chickens. Ensure that there are roosting options at different heights to accommodate both species. Chickens do like to get high, but turkeys are next level when it comes to roosting. In the wild, turkeys will roost high up in trees to keep safe from predators.
6. Gradual Integration When introducing turkeys to an existing flock of chickens, do it gradually and monitor their interactions closely. Its best to introduce them when they are young to minimize aggression. I would integrate them the same way I do my other flocks. Slowly and closely monitored so no one gets hurt.
Adding Turkeys to Your Chicken Flock
FAQ
What is the best animal to protect chickens?
Livestock Guardians When people start having predator problems with their chickens, I often see the recommendation to get a livestock guardian animal. The most popular suggestions for chickens are geese or dogs. Geese are a pretty small investment but it’s important to remember that geese are also prey animals.
What is the best bird to protect chickens?
Geese and turkeys are excellent additions to chicken flocks as geese can sometimes run off aerial predators or make enough noise to detour them. Turkeys always watch the sky and sound out a high-pitched pipping alarm to alert flock members to send them running for shelter.
Do turkeys and chickens get along?
Overall, with proper care, space and attention to their specific needs, turkeys and chickens can live together peacefully. For some flocks, the turkeys actually become the protectors against predators! With proper care and monitoring, many people have done it!
What is the best turkey to raise with chickens?
I have found that how they are raised is more important than which variety they are. If you are solely looking at them for meat, my recommendation is a broad breasted white as white turkeys present the most appealing carcass after processing. Broad breasted turkeys were developed for the best feed conversion to meat.
Should you keep turkeys with chickens?
Here are three good reasons to keep turkeys with chickens, and two reasons not to. On the up side, newly-hatched turkey poults tend to get off to a slow start, but chicks are somewhat quicker on the uptake. Poults brooded with chicks learn to eat and drink more readily by following the chicks. Broody chickens may be used to hatch turkey eggs.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Do turkeys kill chickens?
Despite not actively defending the chickens, they can be more than what any predator wants to confront. Turkeys are sometimes used to protect chickens, but there can be some complications. Chickens can carry blackhead which turkeys are susceptible to and some turkeys have been known to kill chickens.
Do chickens eat turkey eggs?
On the up side, newly-hatched turkey poults tend to get off to a slow start, but chicks are somewhat quicker on the uptake. Poults brooded with chicks learn to eat and drink more readily by following the chicks. Broody chickens may be used to hatch turkey eggs. A medium-size chicken can handle about half a dozen turkey eggs.
Is keeping turkeys suitable for a chicken farmer?
Adding turkeys to your chicken flock can be a thrifty choice due to their similarities in needs with chickens. Before bringing home some turkey poults, consider these six factors: 1. Turkey varieties
Can you raise turkeys and Chickens together?
However, lots of backyarders raise chickens and turkeys together without a problem, and with some benefits. Here are three good reasons to keep turkeys with chickens, and two reasons not to.