Nest on the ground. Nests average 10-12 eggs per clutch.
Roost in trees
Excellent eye sight and hearing
Populations have been increasing around the country because of proper wildlife management and changes in land-use.
Turkeys have even entered urban areas as this one did in Lincoln, NE. Photo by Donna Vantassel.
Sign
Tracks have the characteristic three toes. They can also be quite open about making their presence known. Urban turkey image couresty of Matt Grady of BatGuys.
Damage
Minimal damage to crops
Have been known to damage motor vehicle paint by their pecking at their reflection on the car. We have received one report of side view mirrors being broken by turkey pecking.
Below roost sites, droppings can become quite unsightly
Fencing: Although turkeys can fly, they prefer to walk so fencing would interfere with their preferred movement.
Mowing: Keep grass cut like an ordinary lawn to prevent seed production.
Remove bird feeders.
Cut down roost trees.
Install bird spikes or netting to keep birds off ledges and off balconies.
Bird wire "spiders" have been used successfully.
Repellents
Hazing of Roosts:
Methyl anthranilate--a grape extract that is atomized in a fog. Substance is highly irritating to birds. For humans it smells like grapes. To obtain this product consult our product vendors. Some states will require a pesticide license to use this product.
Red laser: shine laser in their eyes to cause flight.
Pyro-technics: Turkeys are quite sensitive to light and sound. Use may be locally restricted. Devices do pose fire and injury risks.
Haze birds with water by keeping a "super soaker" water gun at the ready.
Turkeys are not known to be a siginificant reservoir of diseases for humans. However, like all birds, they can be host to ticks and other ectoparasites.
Legal Issues
Turkeys are protected game animals in most states. Permits would be needed to perform lethal control on this species.
Scientific Name:
Meleagris gallopavo
(Wild Turkey)
Legal Issues