Wandering female turkey

[Razz Gavin]

I have only one turkey which I believe to be female and recently she's been starting to wander. She's gone over to the neighbor's a few times to play with the kids which I never had much problem with, besides she poops on their porch, but now today she wandered down the road to a retirement home and they brought her back to me in a box.

She isn't causing any problems with anyone but I'm really afraid a coyote will grab her while she's wandering off or even that someone may decide not to return her home next time. I know it's natural for birds to want to explore and all, but what reason would she have to go way down the road? I'm beginning to suspect that she may be looking for a new friend, specifically another turkey for a companion because she's all I have. She's been constantly sitting down in front of people and I'm not sure why. It may be that she's presenting herself for a mate but I'm more used to how chickens do that, not turkeys, so I'm not positive. Here's a picture of what she does:


(This happens to be the only picture I took of her so far sitting like she does. I was messing around with her when she did this last and started stacking random things on her.)

Why is she wandering so far and acting this way? Does she need a mate?

 

[sourland]

She is very likely about to start laying and is looking for a tom.

 

[TurkenItUp209]

She is very likely about to start laying and is looking for a tom.

Her laying down like that is a sign she wants to breed, I'm with sourland on this one.

 

[JWEBB]

I have only one turkey which I believe to be female and recently she's been starting to wander. She's gone over to the neighbor's a few times to play with the kids which I never had much problem with, besides she poops on their porch, but now today she wandered down the road to a retirement home and they brought her back to me in a box.

She isn't causing any problems with anyone but I'm really afraid a coyote will grab her while she's wandering off or even that someone may decide not to return her home next time. I know it's natural for birds to want to explore and all, but what reason would she have to go way down the road? I'm beginning to suspect that she may be looking for a new friend, specifically another turkey for a companion because she's all I have. She's been constantly sitting down in front of people and I'm not sure why. It may be that she's presenting herself for a mate but I'm more used to how chickens do that, not turkeys, so I'm not positive. Here's a picture of what she does:


(This happens to be the only picture I took of her so far sitting like she does. I was messing around with her when she did this last and started stacking random things on her.)

Why is she wandering so far and acting this way? Does she need a mate?

yes she wants a "flock" or companion.. a tom would be nice for her! If you get a new adult bird just make sure and quarentine him away from her for a couple weeks , worm him etc make sure he is healthy.

I've read that Toms will stay where they live for the most part but without a tom, the hens will wander.

 

[JWEBB]

I have only one turkey which I believe to be female and recently she's been starting to wander. She's gone over to the neighbor's a few times to play with the kids which I never had much problem with, besides she poops on their porch, but now today she wandered down the road to a retirement home and they brought her back to me in a box.

She isn't causing any problems with anyone but I'm really afraid a coyote will grab her while she's wandering off or even that someone may decide not to return her home next time. I know it's natural for birds to want to explore and all, but what reason would she have to go way down the road? I'm beginning to suspect that she may be looking for a new friend, specifically another turkey for a companion because she's all I have. She's been constantly sitting down in front of people and I'm not sure why. It may be that she's presenting herself for a mate but I'm more used to how chickens do that, not turkeys, so I'm not positive. Here's a picture of what she does:


(This happens to be the only picture I took of her so far sitting like she does. I was messing around with her when she did this last and started stacking random things on her.)

Why is she wandering so far and acting this way? Does she need a mate?

She looks very sweet

 

[ivan3]

If you have a run, put her in it (6 ft. fence won't completely dissuade her - but makes it much easier to provide a safe area to nest - which they'll often do even if not bred). Let her wander and something/someone will get her.

 

[chicken pickin]

I agree with what everyone has already mentioned. Good advice everyone.