BEHAVIOR OF HUMAN‐IMPRINTED AND HEN‐REARED WILD TURKEY POULTS

Abstract

Abstract Behavior patterns are described for human‐imprinted and hen‐reared wild turkey poults (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) from hatching until 4 months of age. Poults fed primarily on insects during the first 5 weeks of life. By the 11th week, plants accounted for about half the diet. The behavior of poults indicated the dependability of human‐imprinted turkeys for controlled experimentation.

Keywords

• Meleagris gallopavo silvestris
• poult foods
• turkey flock activity