Diseases carried by wild turkey?

[shmccarthy]

I've noticed that occasionally when my chickens free range, wild turkeys will come out of the woods, and into my yard to eat too. They don't bother each other what so ever. I know wild birds can transmit diseases to chickens, but do wild turkey fall in the category? I would like them to stay around because I like watching them but if it could be harmful, I'll keep them away.

 

[Samtecho]

I've wondered the same thing. I'm new to chickens and just joined BYC today! We have wild turkeys that come into our yard frequently and I anticipate that my chickens will come in contact with them at some point. Should I be concerned?

 

[lazy gardener]

I've read that wild turkeys are actually beneficial in that they impart immunity to Marrek's disease. I know that chickens can infect turkeys with Black head. Otherwise, the typical concerns about any wild bird in proximity to chickens carrying mites and lice into the environment. IMO, unless you keep your chickens in a sterile bubble, there's a certain level of risk that goes along with allowing chickens to be chickens. I would take reasonable precautions to keep wild birds and rodents from eating your chicken feed and using their waterers, but again, it depends on your set up and how meticulous you are and how much risk is acceptable to you.

 

[donrae]

I don't have turkeys on my place, but the area I live in had a pretty decent population. I often see them ranging near coops/flocks that are longstanding. I don't know for sure myself, but I'm thinking if it was an issue these folks would deter the turkeys.

 

[NEChickenNoob]

I have 3 wild hens and two toms that frequent my property. They just disappeared and mating season was over about 2 weeks ago. It is a wonderful thing to watch toms court hens. I imagine next month their will be about 2 dozen chicks running around. They had about 14 last year with 2 hens, I supposed we will see more. I love my wild turkeys. I hunt turkey, but I will never hunt my own. I will continue to keep them around as I love seeing them. They have even grown comfortable to me out in the garden. They will walk by with a cautious eye within a 100ft or so. I make it a point to not bother them. Plus they eat ticks. Love turkeys!

 

[Samtecho]

Thanks for the replies! I feel better after having read them. I guess we'll see how it goes with the turkeys. I too love having them around...