terrified chooks

[Bretto77]

I was once responsible for the grounds of an aged care facility on a 53 acre block. 

When I started there it was run down and neglected. It was a daunting prospect (as I was the only groundsman), but I hooked in and 18 months on had the place looking pretty good.

Then came a scrub turkey migration. They made my life hell.  Many elderly folks take great pride in their gardens and don't appreciate a bird trashing and composting their efforts.

I did 8 years there before I went mad and left. Moved on and left the turkeys to it.  No more turkeys.

After seven or so years sober of the problem, two days ago I got a very unwelcome blast from the past. A large male scrub turkey decided that my place was suitable. I have had to lock up the chooks cause this thing is trying to kill them. It's even put the breeze up the cat (currently rallying the cat and trying to reprogram the kill function).

Has anyone ever had any success with dissuading these birds without extermination? I have respect for their determination but it's not outweighing the desire to rip it's head off.

 

 

[mangajack]

Lure them into a roasting pan is my solution....has always worked for me.

Some people put chook mesh under the top layer of mulch....they try hard for a few days and then give up and move on is the word.

Do not put chillies out to disuade them, they are their chocolates.

Get a decent sized dog from a friend for a few days.

 

[Bretto77]

I know about the mesh trick. I want to get rid of it and not have to resort to that if possible.  I usually go pretty good with a cast net but this bugger moves so fast and ducked under the far side of the net...

[Old Scaley]

I feel your pain @Bretto77  There are 10 of the mongrels that roost in a tree out the front of my house and maraud through the garden, trashing everything that is not fenced off and digging holes in the turf. I spend most of spring each year moving wire and other barriers around to stop them starting a nest in the yard. It is a full time job. Between them and the possums, I have pretty much given up trying to keep a nice garden. 
Legally, you can’t harass them or trap them. I suspect even if you did relocate one it would be replaced by another one in no time. Good luck!

[Bob9863]

When I used to live in Brisbane I had a real problem with them, until I got myself a mastiff that didn't like strange things or people in his yard.

Didn't have a problem with that.

[ellicat]

I'd lend you one of my dogs, but he'd eat the chickens too.

He loves chicken. haha

[Bretto77]

The chooks can be locked up. Touch wood, haven't seen the turkey since it went into one of the neighbors yards yesterday. Maybe someone else or their dog has dealt with it.

[ellicat]

[benno573]

my late border collie dragon was very into science.  he tried to clone a turkey one day by splitting it into many many many small pieces and sat waiting for them to grow into new turkeys.  unfortunately he didn't get the growth hormone solution at the right ratio so i had to spend 20 minutes raking up all the feathers...

 

the rest of the turkeys apparently got the message - haven't seen on in mine or any of the neighbours yard since.

[Bretto77]

Yes, don't have a dog at the moment. The neighbors do however and touch wood again, I still have not seen the turkey since it slipped out of the net and into the neighbors yard.

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

When there used to be one in my yard I would blast it with the hose on jet, it normally came back the next day but was still pretty funny to do. 

[Bretto77]

And, if anyone has ever seen a scrub turkey chick up close then they will understand why not even their mother can love them.

[Angry51]

We've got dozens in our area but they don't come near our place, they used to years ago but I've "trained" them to keep their distance, can't tell you my methods but it works, Their protected you know.

[kmcrosby78]

On 06/11/2023 at 8:14 PM, AUS-BNE-FISHO said:

When there used to be one in my yard I would blast it with the hose on jet, it normally came back the next day but was still pretty funny to do. 

I know 'someone' who used to that to the flying foxes that landed in his large fig tree in his backyard ...... 'he' tells me it was great fun ...... that and lobbing soccer balls up into the tree ....... .

[Angry51]

My method works on bats too. Gets expensive after a while though.

[Bretto77]

3 hours ago, Angry51 said:

My method works on bats too. Gets expensive after a while though.

I'm still working @Angry51.... So you will be ok...

[Angry51]

4 hours ago, Bretto77 said:

I'm still working @Angry51.... So you will be ok...

I didn't doubt it Brett, I have a lot of trust in you even if no one else does. You keep your nose on the stone andlets see where we can go.

[Bretto77]

Just when I thought it must be gone. It turned up yesterday. Chased my black chook over the fence this morning, (and I think into the mouth of the  neighbour's dog). Can't find the chook. Hasn't come back... Not feeling much sympathy for the turkey's cause.

[ellicat]

You'll have to practice with that net.

[Bretto77]

25 minutes ago, ellicat said:

You'll have to practice with that net.

Warm up for prawns via fishing for turkey's?

[Angry51]

We had a early morning visit from some peacocks Saturday morning . I won't say what happened to them, but they won't be annoying anyone else.

[James Reeves]

My grandad use to use his trusty castnet when the Bush Turkeys came for his chooks!!!

[Bretto77]

In a surprise turn of events my black chook turned up again yesterday morning. I had written off any chance of seeing it again.... Have not seen the turkey since the black chook disappeared...

It's starting to look like this turkey business is going to be an ongoing saga

[ellicat]

Eggs or wildlife ? That is the question.

[Bretto77]

And @Kat just sent me a picture of the turkey back in the yard.... Chooks vanished again....