Tom Fight

[UncleNorby]

Last weekend while rabbit hunting I saw two toms fighting. Notthe usual kicking deal. These birds were serious. Both birds were biting the other's head and wattles. Seemed like they were trying to inflict serious damage. Their necks were entwined at times, and they would then flare their wings somewhat and push against each other breast to breast. They were about equal in size so the fight went on for some time.

I was able to approach within10 yards, and theybasically ignored me. When one bird did spook and break off the fight, the other would run him down and re-engage.

I'm wondering if this is normal behaviour between toms, and if so, why would they be doing this at this time of the year. I would think they would not be terriorial or be thinking about hens in late December. Any ideas?

[r33h]

They probably are starting to establish pecking order...who is the bigger, badder, more dominant gobbler. It is neat that you got to that so close!

[UncleNorby]

I wondered about that myself, but I figured they would not waste energy on that business at this time of year. Makes more sense to conserve energy while food isn't that abundant. I can't really think of a better explanation though.

Maybe this particularfight only got so serious because they were about an even match.

[RDHunter]

That kind of behaviour is quite common among turkeys no matter what time of year .
Tom's and (Boss ) hens try to estabilish domanance all the time , if one thinks or feels the other one is weaker or a threat they will engage in to a fight.
It has nothing to do with thebreeding season , the pecking order and domance is well set before then.
Tom's will fight during the breeding season only to fend the subornats off and keep them from breeding with his harem.

[UncleNorby]

Thanks for the info