Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
peck forcefully, and their beaks are rather strong. If they peck at something shiny on a
child, they might cause injury.
Male turkeys are perhaps easier to handle and make into pets as they tend to always
want to show off. I had a turkey that was retired from a zoo. He would follow me every-
where around the farm and when I least expected it, he would show up behind me and
gobble. A few times he scared me so much with his gobbling that he caused me to al-
most jump over a fence. He was fairly harmless, but I made sure that he was confined
when young children came around so that he could not reach or peck at their jewelry or
shining eyes.
Chickens
Chickens make great pets. They're small, relatively harmless, and easy to purchase and
feed. Breed choice is crucial, however. Stay away from the high-strung, high-producing,
laying breeds, as they tend to be somewhat nervous and prefer a hands-off policy. While
not unfriendly, these breeds don't want to be touched, held, picked up, or carried. Mine
sometimes come over and take a treat out of my hand, but they aren't happy if I reach
out to try to pick them up. If I do, they squirm, flop, and try to get away.
WATERFOWL BATH, BANQUET,
AND BEDTIME
You'll need bathing facilities and a water source for your young water-fowl pets. Al-
ways make sure they have plenty of water and a place to bathe. I have seen people
use their own bathtubs for such purposes, but I recommend you get an old washtub to
provide a place for the waterfowl to bathe. Geese and ducks typically want to bathe
even if it is -20°F (-29°C) outside.
Be sure to give your pet ducks and geese plenty of dry bedding where they sleep
and a balanced source of food. They love occasional treats, especially lettuce, other
greens, and pieces of melon.
An outside house, such as a small doghouse, works fine as a shelter for waterfowl.
Ducks and geese are very hardy; minimal insulation in the shelter is needed. You'll
need to protect them from predators: be sure you can close up the house tight at night,
and keep it within a fenced enclosure for protection when you're not home during the
day.
Most bantams make excellent pets. Cochin bantams are easy to pick up, carry, and
put down, and they'll be your buddy for life. Silkie and Japanese bantams have the same
