HI:
I have three pet turkeys that I got from an animal sancutary. PReviously I have only had hens which are curious, engaging and smart they make great pets. This time I got a Tom who also is extrememly amusing in his constant display of sexual prowess.

The problem is the horrific damage he does to the hens backs (all three are very large domestic whites) The first time this occured I wasn't at home and frankly I am surpirsed that the hen survived her back was lacerated and fileted. Anywa does anyone have any ideas what I can do to protect the hens short of keeping them seperated? I used the dremel on the toms toes but just his shear weight causes damage.

How about some type of back shield I don't know it is suc a hassle to keep animals seperated. When do they outgrow this behavior?

Thanks for any help. P.

You can get saddles to protect the hens backs - google 'poultry saddle' or have a look on ebay

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shiny

Yes, we've got a buff Orpington and a couple of Cochins and the woman who sold us the Orpington mentioned Orpington saddles to help protect them. I think she actually makes her own too!

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Mummy to 1 puppy, 3 cats, 3 chickens, 2 guinea pigs and 2 small children

Yes you can get saddles, but why run hens with a male turkey?? My big Orp cockerel can do enough damage to his girls let alone a turkey jumping on the hens back!!

Not only is there the issue of ripping the hens back open as has already happened but also muscoskeletal damage that will most certainly occur from the weight of him on top of a hen who's not even half his weight.

Wouldn't it be kinder on both parties to get him a girl of his own kind and seperate the the two breeds??

Your hens would I'm sure thank you for it.

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www.annschooks.co.uk

Yes you can get saddles, but why run hens with a male turkey?? My big Orp cockerel can do enough damage to his girls let alone a turkey jumping on the hens back!!

Not only is there the issue of ripping the hens back open as has already happened but also muscoskeletal damage that will most certainly occur from the weight of him on top of a hen who's not even half his weight.

Wouldn't it be kinder on both parties to get him a girl of his own kind and seperate the the two breeds??

The only time he will not do this is when he's dead.

In winter he will reduce his activities but will still mount them sometimes.

It really isn't fair to your hens to have to put up with him and he will eventually seriously damage one of them for life.

Do you really want your hen to be unable to walk without pain and suffering for the rest of her life as a result of a turkey mounting her??

If you can't keep them seperate think seriously about wether you are really the right home for him?

If you do decide that you need to find him a loving home, I can suggest someone who rehomes poultry to good homes very successfully.

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www.annschooks.co.uk

This was a duplication and has been deleted.

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www.annschooks.co.uk