During the winter, turkeys reduce their range, diminish their daily activities, and often form large flocks. They frequently spend time in valley farm fields feeding on waste grain and manure spread by the farmers. Turkeys can scratch through 4 to 6 inches of snow to find food. They can move long distances to find food, but will stay in a small area if food is locally abundant. Feeding turkeys during harsh winter months is generally not recommended nor needed. Turkeys have been known to spend a week or more on a roost when a severe winter storm strikes. Studies have shown that healthy wild turkeys can live up to two weeks without food. The turkey breeding season begins in early April and continues through early June. They are a game species for hunting in New York State.
|
