Can you free-range turkeys?

Lock turkeys inside a predator-proof coop every night from dusk to dawn. The shelter needs solid walls, a secure roof, hardware cloth over all ventilation openings, and latches that raccoons cannot open. Most predation of free-range turkeys happens at night.

Select heritage turkey breeds such as Bourbon Red, Narragansett, or Standard Bronze for free-range setups. These breeds retain strong foraging instincts, can fly short distances, and stay alert to predators -- unlike Broad Breasted varieties that are too heavy and sedentary for safe ranging.

Set up multiple paddocks using portable electric poultry netting and rotate turkeys to fresh ground every 1-2 weeks. This provides the foraging benefits of free-range while maintaining a secure, electrified boundary. Each paddock should offer at least 100 square feet per bird for adequate forage.

Establish a consistent evening routine to train turkeys to return to the coop at dusk. Use a specific call or whistle paired with a small handful of scratch grains or cracked corn offered inside the coop each evening. Begin this training from the first day turkeys are allowed outside.

Allow turkeys to free-range only under direct supervision or within a securely fenced area. In regions with coyotes, foxes, or stray dogs, unsupervised open ranging leads to significant losses. A fenced pasture at least 4 feet high with an electric top wire provides a practical middle ground…

Walk the entire ranging area and identify hazards before releasing turkeys. Remove or fence off poisonous plants (yew, nightshade, foxglove, azalea), old fencing with loose wire that can entangle legs, deep water features, and any access points to roads. Turkeys are curious and will investigate…