This summer, Philip and I are caring for the home of his parents Danny and Joy Murphy. As retirees, they are spending the summer at Kowalski Mountain. They have quite the flock of birds, about 30 chickens, and 8 turkeys of varying ages. A group of the younger turkeys are escape artists and have been jumping the fence daily. We attempted to keep them locked up for a few days to better establish their boundaries. However, as soon as they were free to move around, they came to the conclusion that there was better land somewhere else. In an attempt to discourage them from venturing into those “greener” but significantly less secure areas beyond the fence line, now is the appropriate time to begin trimming each turkey wing. I’ll show you how easy it is to clip a turkey’s wing to either prevent it from flying away or at least slow it down.
Turkeys are fascinating creatures, but their jumping abilities can be a challenge for backyard poultry enthusiasts. Whether you’re considering adding turkeys to your flock or already have some feathered friends roaming your property, understanding their jumping prowess is crucial for keeping them safe and contained.
How High Can a Turkey Jump?
The short answer is: pretty darn high. While the exact height varies depending on the breed age, and individual turkey they can easily clear fences and other obstacles that would pose no problem for chickens or ducks.
Here’s a breakdown of their jumping capabilities:
- Broad-breasted turkeys: These commercially raised birds are known for their meat production, not their athleticism. They can typically jump around 3-4 feet.
- Heritage turkeys: These traditional breeds are more active and agile than their broad-breasted counterparts. They can easily jump 5-6 feet, and some have been known to clear heights of 8 feet or more!
Factors influencing jump height:
- Age: Younger turkeys tend to be more energetic and capable of higher jumps.
- Motivation: A motivated turkey, like one trying to escape a predator or reach a tasty treat, can jump higher than usual.
- Terrain: A running start or a higher perch can give a turkey more momentum and allow them to jump further.
Keeping Your Turkeys Contained: A Guide to Fence Heights and Other Strategies
Having learned the height at which turkeys can jump, let’s discuss how to keep them securely enclosed. Here are some tips:
Fence height:
- Minimum height: For broad-breasted turkeys, a 4-foot fence might be sufficient, especially if they are clipped. However, for heritage turkeys, a 6-foot fence is a safer bet.
- Additional considerations: If you have particularly athletic turkeys or are concerned about predators, consider adding an additional foot or two to your fence height.
Other strategies:
- Clipping wings: Clipping the primary flight feathers on one wing can help reduce a turkey’s ability to fly and jump. However, it’s important to note that this is not a foolproof solution, and some turkeys can still jump high even with clipped wings.
- Providing alternative perches: Give your turkeys something to climb and perch on inside their enclosure. This can help them expend their energy and reduce their desire to jump the fence.
- Electric fencing: An electric fence can be an effective deterrent, but it’s important to use it safely and ensure it is properly grounded.
Additional resources:
- BackYard Chickens forum: This online community has a wealth of information on turkey care, including discussions on jumping and fencing.
- Homesteading Today forum: This forum offers advice and insights from experienced homesteaders on various topics, including turkey husbandry.
Turkeys are amazing birds, but their jumping abilities require careful consideration when keeping them in a backyard setting. By understanding their capabilities and implementing the right strategies, you can ensure that your turkeys are safe, happy, and well-contained.
What does clipping a turkey’s wings mean?
The goal of clipping, cutting or trimming a turkey’s wings is to prevent flight. Clipping the turkey’s wings would be better described as clipping the turkey’s flight feathers. Only one of the bird’s long flight feathers is chopped; the wings themselves are uncut. Like having their hair trimmed, when done properly, it causes no harm to the animals, and in time, the feathers will regrow.
What feathers NOT to cut?
There are some feathers that should never be cut,, these are called blood feathers. Blood feathers are new feathers that are not grown out yet that are growing during the molting process. They can be identified because they are typically wrapped in a sheathing called keratin for a portion of the feather. The blood feathers may also be shorter than the others. During the growth process, the feathers have blood inside of them. The birds can bleed when these feathers are cut or broken. More about blood feathers here
Large Flock of Turkeys Fly Across the Road and Over Traffic | Wild Bird Behavior
FAQ
How high can turkeys fly up?
Will a turkey jump a fence?
How tall of a fence do turkeys need?
Can turkeys fly or jump?
How high do wild turkeys fly?
Wild turkeys usually fly low to the ground. Their typical flight takes them high enough to reach branches of trees. They favor picking branches around 6 to 9 meters in height, but they can go as high as 15 meters if needed.
How fast can a wild turkey fly?
Once airborne, a wild turkey will quickly reach its intended roosting spot, or land on the ground a safe distance from the threat that spooked it into flight. On land, wild turkeys can cover far more ground, reaching running speeds of around 40 km/h (25 mph). How high can wild turkeys fly?
How high do wild turkeys roost?
Wild turkeys fly at relatively low altitudes, high enough to reach the strongest, primary branches of broad-leaved trees. Some of the highest roosting spots reached by wild turkeys are around 15 m (50 ft) off the ground, but lower spots are also used, at heights of between 6 and 9 m (20-30 ft).
How fast can a Turkey Run?
Turkeys can run and wild turkeys can run fast. Since turkeys spend most of their lives on their legs, the muscles build up and become stronger. Wild turkeys can run as fast as 25 mph while domestic turkeys are slower. Domestic turkeys also waddle when they walk and run, while wild turkeys don’t. Can Baby Turkeys Fly? Baby turkeys are called poults.