Ocellated Turkeys

[RockerHen]

I love these birds.  I can't believe they are classed as the same species as 'normal' turkeys, as they are so different looking.

It also makes me really sad when I see people hunting them, as they are such beautiful birds, and their wild population is declining and tiny in comparison with the 'normal' turkeys.  

Its almost like going out and shooting peacocks. 

They are not the same species. They are within the same genus, meleagris, but are different species. Ocellated are meleagris ocellata, "normal" turkeys are meleagris gallopavo.

 

[Mickey Lou 04]

How much do they cost?

 

[RockerHen]

All ads I've seen have been upwards of $1000 each.

 

[chooks4life]

Quote:
Do the two species hybridize?

 

[ivan3]

chooks4life wrote; Do the two species hybridize?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/240266/are-ocellated-x-domestic-turkeys-sterile-or-fertile

Anyone who is interested in the ethology in native range should keep Jon McRoberts, at Texas Tech, in mind (should be publishing pretty soon, now):

http://sej2008.typepad.com/files/ocellated-turkeys-ads-removed.pdf

 

[chooks4life]

Thanks for the info, ivan3.

 

[NaefNaests]

I know this thread is months old but I think this turkey is very pretty. The following images are not mine, they are from websurfing. Earlier in this thread it is mentioned they are hard to care for, may I ask in what way? What about their care is different from other turkeys?

 

[Ardizzone7]

Amazing birds!

 

[Mickey Lou 04]

what kind of feed do they eat?

 

[chooks4life]

Wow, NaefNaests, very nice pics! Especially the third. Spectacular!