Chilli Dog and Bush Turkey go for a Walk!
This is the story and Chilli dog and a Bush Turkey!
Right now, December, in Australia’s Brush Turkey nesting season. These large native birds, know as Bush Turkeys, live on the Eastern coast of Australia in the bush but have been invading gardens, building their large mound of nests and generally messing up our yards!
We have a male turkey who has chosen to build his nest in our neighbour’s front garden. The female turkeys come to visit him once in a while and he guards his nest, adding leaf litter to it everyday. The eggs incubate there and the young will eventually hatch (Hopefully not to be eaten by my cats!!).
I call our resident male bush turkey ‘The Mayor’, as he looks very regal with his swinging yellow wattle. His behaviour towards my chickens is anything but regal, as he pins them to the ground and pecks their heads! The female bush turkeys can peacefully coexist in the same garden as my chooks.
Chilli dog and bush turkey
Every day Chilli dog and I go for a walk and everyday the male Bush Turkey comes with us. Right up the street and around the corner. At first I thought he was chasing the dog out of the vicinity of his nest. I’m sure that’s how his ‘stalking’ behaviour started but now I think he just enjoys the walk!
You can view a longer version of our walk here.
The Turkey Dance
The Mayor’s behaviour is intriguing. When Chilli walks, he follows, often running to keep up. When Chilli stops and turns around, he also turns around and scratches the ground. I call this his ‘dance’. He appears to be doing this to assure her that he is not a threat or it is some kind of displacement activity.
When we return home, he follows us in to the front garden. I drop the lead to let Chilli sniff around the garden. This is the turkeys first attempt to go for her lead.
At first, I thought he might think it’s a snake, as the lead moves behind Chilli. But there appears to be no fear or attempt to kill. Then I though he might want this as an item for his nest but they tend to favour leaf litter , unlike Bowerbirds who collect all sorts of items.
I think he enjoys the interaction that Chilli gives him. She is very patient and puts up with his, now regular, pulling on the lead behaviour.
Of course I enjoy sharing my pet videos on social media and when I shared this one, it has been picked up by a news distribution group. Chilli and the Australian Bush Turkey have now gone viral around the world!
Chilli dog and bush turkey go viral
Here is our video. Remember if you want to use this video in a commercial player or in broadcasts, please email licensing@storyful.com.
Cheeky Bird
Now this cheeky bird appears to be so fascinated by Chilli dog that he likes to grab her tail!
Patient Dog
You may be thinking how patient Chilli dog is. And she is! No turkey for Xmas dinner for her!
You may also be pleased to know she has her moments, when she forgets that bush turkeys are family! This is usually when they enter our house and head for her food bowl! Then the chase is on!
Bush Turkeys are a protected native bird and while they can create havoc in our gardens and our pets’ lives, we will continue to enjoy their company and our daily walks!
About the author
Dr Jo Righetti is an animal behaviourist, helping people understand their pets. She is now also helping herself understand Bush Turkey behaviour! More about Jo here.
Dog behaviour articles
- Predicting the behaviour of rescue dogs. New Research to Improve AdoptabilityPredicting the behaviour of rescue dogs : It’s difficult to compare a shelter to a sofa! Are you thinking about adopting a rescue dog from a shelter?
- Does The Anxiety Wrap work?Does the Anxiety Wrap Work? Does your dog suffer from anxieties, fears or phobias? Stress is common in our pet dogs and most owners want to find
- Top 10 Problem Pets – and Problem Pet BehaviourAre you frustrated, angry or puzzled y your pet’s behaviour? Here’s your guide to the top 10 problem pets and problem cat behaviour and dog behaviour…
- Road tripping with a dog with car anxietyIf your dog is anxious while you travel, these tips, from Sarah Archer at Your Best Digs, may help… Road tripping with a dog with car anxiety
- A Day In The Life of A Pet Care CentreDo you ever wish that your dog was better behaved or perhaps just had more activities to occupy them? A pet care centre could be the answer
- The Lazy Guide to Dog TrainingThe Lazy Guide to Dog training by animal behaviourist (and lazy dog trainer!) Dr Jo Righetti… This blog post is part of the 2018 #Train4Rewards Blog Party
Our latest posts
- Organisation tips to make it easier for you to take care of your pet’s healthOrganisation tips to make it easier for you to take care of your pet’s health Most of us lead busy lives, so it is all
- Tips for Taking Good Care of Your Purebred PuppyTips for Taking Good Care of Your Purebred Puppy Are you thinking about getting a puppy? Perhaps a rescue dog or a purebred puppy? These
- Enrichment Stuffing: A Beginner’s Guide to Stuffing Dog ToysEnrichment Stuffing: A Beginner’s Guide to Stuffing Dog Toys Ever wondered how to keep your dog amused when they are alone or you just need
- How to safely use essential oils around your petsHow to safely use essential oils around your pets If you enjoy using essential oils around your home or you are considering using them for
- Chilli Dog And Bush Turkey Go for a Walk!Chilli Dog and Bush Turkey go for a Walk! This is the story and Chilli dog and a Bush Turkey!Right now, December, in Australia’s Brush
- Taurine Deficiency In Cats and How To Take Care Of ItTaurine Deficiency In Cats and How To Take Care Of It Every cat owner needs to know the importance of taurine in their cat’s diet.