How To Deter Bush Turkeys
Bush turkeys, also known as scrub turkeys, are a common sight in many parts of Australia. While they may be fascinating to watch, they can also be a nuisance, causing damage to gardens and property. If you're looking for ways to deter bush turkeys, this article will provide you with some helpful tips.
Understand the Behavior of Bush Turkeys
Before you can effectively deter bush turkeys, it's important to understand their behavior. Bush turkeys are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything they can find. They are also territorial and will defend their nesting sites aggressively. By understanding their behavior, you can better plan your strategy for deterring them.
Install a Fence
One of the most effective ways to deter bush turkeys is to install a fence around your property. The fence should be at least 1.8 meters high and made of sturdy material such as metal or wood. Make sure the fence is buried at least 30 cm underground to prevent the turkeys from digging under it.
Use Noise Deterrents
Bush turkeys are sensitive to loud noises and can be deterred by using noise deterrents. You can use a variety of things to create noise, such as clapping your hands, banging pots and pans together, or using a whistle. Be consistent in your noise-making to reinforce the message that your property is off-limits to the turkeys.
Remove Food Sources
As mentioned earlier, bush turkeys are opportunistic feeders. By removing potential food sources, you can discourage them from visiting your property. This means keeping your garbage bins securely closed, removing fallen fruit from trees, and not leaving pet food outside.
Use Visual Deterrents
Bush turkeys are also sensitive to visual stimuli. You can use visual deterrents such as scarecrows, reflective objects, or even a simple garden hose to create movement and scare them away. Make sure to move these deterrents around periodically to prevent the turkeys from becoming accustomed to them.
Protect Garden Beds
If you have garden beds, you may want to protect them from bush turkeys. One way to do this is to cover the beds with wire mesh or netting. Make sure the mesh or netting is secured tightly to the ground to prevent the turkeys from getting underneath.
Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective way to deter bush turkeys. When the turkeys approach, the sprinklers are triggered and spray a burst of water, scaring them away. This method is particularly effective if you have a large property or garden.
Don't Feed the Turkeys
Feeding bush turkeys may seem like a good idea, but it can actually make the problem worse. By feeding them, you are encouraging them to come back to your property and potentially attracting more turkeys. It's best to avoid feeding them altogether.
Use Natural Deterrents
There are several natural deterrents that can be effective in deterring bush turkeys. One of the most popular is planting prickly shrubs or plants such as rosemary, holly, or bougainvillea around the perimeter of your property. These plants make it difficult for the turkeys to approach.
Call in the Professionals
If you've tried all of the above methods and are still having problems with bush turkeys, it may be time to call in the professionals. Wildlife control experts can help you to safely and humanely remove the turkeys from your property.
Conclusion
Detering bush turkeys can be a frustrating problem, but it's important to remember that they are a protected species in Australia. It's illegal to harm or kill them, so it's important to use humane methods to deter them. By understanding their behavior and using a combination of the methods outlined in this article, you can successfully deter bush turkeys from your property.
Remember, prevention is key – the best way to deal with bush turkeys is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place.
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