Expert: Julia Booth - 5/9/2008

Question
We have many wild turkeys around and recently have seen a tom who has a broken leg.  He may have been injured from a trap or coyote, we don't know.  But the leg is useless from the knee down and dangling.  In fact, you can see the bone and where the foot is swollen and discolored.  He hops around but is clumsy and seems to be shunned by others since he is always alone.  Is it possible for him to fly and roost at night?    I am always surprised to see him another day, but very sad as he must have been or still is in such pain.

Answer
I actually don't know about turkeys per se. I've seen wild ducks with a missing foot or a missing mandible live year after year. They find a way to get along.

He might not be in pain, but it's certainly a handicap. Turkeys don't fly really and tend to roost in shrubs or low trees. I see no reason why he can't still manage that. The only problem is that game birds tend to be top heavy, not aerodynamic, so they are a lot of weight and form to propel.

If you're really concerned, consider trapping him and notifying your local wildlife authorities -parks and recreation or department of fish and game.

Keep in mind that many places have open season for wild turkey for a few days out of the year. They're considered food, so you might have trouble finding a sympathetic party.

Hope this helps,

Julia