Can you free-range turkeys?

Solution: Choose heritage turkey breeds for free-ranging. Explanation: Heritage breeds (Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Standard Bronze, etc.) retain stronger foraging instincts, are more mobile, and are generally more predator-aware than Broad Breasted varieties. Broad Breasted turkeys are less mobile…

Solution: Provide a secure coop to lock turkeys in safely every night. Explanation: Free-ranging typically occurs during daylight hours. Turkeys MUST be secured in a predator-proof shelter from dusk till dawn when predation risk is highest. Notes: This is non-negotiable for safety.

Solution: Allow free-ranging only under supervision or within a large, securely fenced perimeter. Explanation: Unsupervised free-ranging in areas with predators (coyotes, foxes, dogs) is extremely risky. A large fenced area (pasture) is safer than complete free-range. Alternatively, only let them…

Solution: Train turkeys to reliably return to their coop in the evening. Explanation: Establish a routine, perhaps using a specific call and offering a small amount of scratch grains near/inside the coop at dusk. Consistent routines help ensure they come back to be secured for the night. Notes:…

Solution: Use portable electric netting or permanent fencing to create paddocks for rotational grazing. Explanation: This allows turkeys to forage on fresh ground regularly, reducing parasite buildup and providing controlled free-ranging within a secure boundary. Move the turkeys to a new paddock…

Solution: Survey the ranging area for potential hazards. Explanation: Look for poisonous plants, potential entanglement spots (like old fencing), water hazards (deep ponds/pools they could drown in), and access to roads. Notes: Address any identified hazards before allowing turkeys to range.