Turkey laid eggs in yard. What to do?

[VanaHsrad]

A wild turkey has created a nest and laid eggs in my backyard. There are about 15 eggs and the turkey is always sitting on top of them. I am worried about when they hatch. The nest is near the swimming pool. Will that be an issue when they hatch? I don't want the babies to accidentally fall in and drown or be affected by the chlorine. Will the turkeys and turkey babies stay in my yard when they hatch? I don't really know anything about turkeys but any answers are appreciated.

 

[Evelyn Walker]

If the turkey is truly wild, she will take her babies far from your yard. Although it is strange that she decided to nest in a yard with people around, turkeys usually travel far with their chicks in search for food. How close to the pool is she nesting?

 

[VanaHsrad]

If the turkey is truly wild, she will take her babies far from your yard. Although it is strange that she decided to nest in a yard with people around, turkeys usually travel far with their chicks in search for food. How close to the pool is she nesting?

The nest is right behind the edge of the pool. Only a few rocks separate the nest and the pool.

 

[danceswithronin]

I would just leave them be. The pool is a concern because they would likely drown if they fell in, and putting in a floater or something I don't think would help with that since they can't use hands/arms to climb up on it, but honestly the reason fowl have so many young is to guard against losing a good number of them.

The smart ones will not drown. The dumb ones who might drown would not have survived long anyway in the wild. 56-73% of wild turkey poults do not survive their first year.

 

[R2elk]

A wild turkey has created a nest and laid eggs in my backyard. There are about 15 eggs and the turkey is always sitting on top of them. I am worried about when they hatch. The nest is near the swimming pool. Will that be an issue when they hatch? I don't want the babies to accidentally fall in and drown or be affected by the chlorine. Will the turkeys and turkey babies stay in my yard when they hatch? I don't really know anything about turkeys but any answers are appreciated.

If you are concerned, notify the local game warden or DNR agent. Leave the hen and the eggs alone.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Welcome to BYC!!! Glad you could join the Flock! Let me know if you need anything!

 

[VanaHsrad]

If you are concerned, notify the local game warden or DNR agent. Leave the hen and the eggs alone.

I don't plan on doing anything to them. The nest is out of the way of anyone running and surrounded by bushes which I hope will keep them from coming into the pool.

 

[Evelyn Walker]

Hmm, that does seem a bit too close for comfort, but if there are bushes surrounding I wouldn't worry too much. Would it be possible to put up some sort of barrier by the edge of the pool?

 

[danceswithronin]

I don't plan on doing anything to them. The nest is out of the way of anyone running and surrounded by bushes which I hope will keep them from coming into the pool.

I'd just keep an eye on your pool after the poults hatch out, so if you see any fall in you can fish them out with a net.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

How cool is that! We see wild turkeys out here from time to time so we know they are around, but they don't seem to hang out much in any one location. My guess is one day mama will be gone along with any poults and all you'll have left is memories.