It’s the 2-month anniversary of my Christmas Eve Turkey Encounter and as I look back on the traumatizing event, I decided to do a
little wild turkey research with the help of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Go ahead and click on the link. Such a thing really exists!
Wild Turkey Fun Facts
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Throwback Thursday? |
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Females (called hens) usually weigh between 8-10
lbs. Males (called toms or gobblers)
average 16-24 lbs. Both males and females
reach a height of 3-4 ft.
·
Turkeys run at speeds of 10-20 mph and max out
at 25 mph. (And y'all told me to run away!) They can fly in bursts up to
55 mph.
·
Turkeys do not see well in the dark. They sleep in trees at night.
·
Courtship begins during the winter months and it
is considered mating season from February to April.
·
Turkeys usually feed in the early morning and
afternoons.
Turkey Attacks

In the fall of 2008, there were daily attacks on postal
workers on South Street in Rockport, Massachusetts. One mail carrier made
national news in August 2009 when he used his pepper spray to fend off an attacking bird.
Today wild turkeys are seen together in “gangs” all around Cape Cod
after being reintroduced to the Cape in 1989 via Camp Edwards and the Cape Cod
National Seashore.
I read a lot of advice but most sources
agree: don’t feed the birds and stay away.
What should you do if a Wild Turkey Attacks?
·
Be Aggressive.
Don’t let those giant birds intimidate you. Make loud noises and wave your arms. A broom is a useful tool to swat them
away. An umbrella can be used to mimic a
male turkey spreading its tail feathers and bully an attacking turkey. I don’t know about you but I run with neither a
broom nor an umbrella.
·
Turkey’s do not like water. If you are running with a water bottle, throw
some water on it. If you’re in your
yard, use a hose.
·
Turkeys usually avoid dogs. Another reason why I need a puppy!
·
When in doubt: Mace works.
I
hope this is the last time I ever have to post about any type of bird but I'd love to hear your stories. Stay safe out there my friends!
LOL, LOVE this!!!
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