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Turkey and Waterfowl Handling Safety

Turkeys, geese and large ducks are bigger than chickens and can flap, peck and scratch hard. A few simple habits protect handlers and make birds calmer.

What are the risks of handling large birds?

Large birds can strike with wings, feet and beaks. Toms and ganders can be aggressive, particularly during breeding. A flapping bird can knock a person off balance or injure an eye.

Handlers also face strain from lifting heavy birds and slips on wet floors, especially around water.

Birds that have been handled gently from a young age tend to be calmer, so early, patient contact pays off. Large birds are also heavier than they look. Plan how you will lift and move them before you start, so no one is carrying a struggling bird at an awkward angle.

• Wing strikes and scratches
• Pecks to hands, arms and faces
• Back strain from lifting
• Slips on wet surfaces

How should you approach and catch birds?

Move slowly and calmly. Herd birds into a small area with panels or a catching pen so you do not have to chase them. Chasing causes stress and increases the chance of injuries and falls.

Use catching tools and techniques taught by experienced producers. Ask your extension office or poultry association for hands-on help. Do not try to hold a large bird by one wing or leg.

Stay aware of what is around you. Wet floors, feed bins and equipment can trip you while you are focused on a bird.

• Bruises and scratches are common
• A bird flapping near the face can injure the eyes
• Use panels to make a smaller catching area
• Move slowly and speak calmly
• Avoid cornering birds in tight spaces

How do you protect your body?

Wear long sleeves, sturdy gloves and eye protection when catching or loading large birds. Boots with good grip help on wet floors. Use carts or crates to move birds and avoid carrying heavy loads over long distances.

Share lifting between people and take breaks.

Rest between catches. Fatigue leads to slips, and slips lead to injuries in a pen full of moving birds.

• Eye protection when catching or loading
• Gloves and long sleeves
• Sturdy non-slip footwear
• Carts and crates instead of carrying

What about aggressive birds?

Tom turkeys and ganders can attack people entering their territory. Do not turn your back, and carry a board or panel as a barrier. Keep children out of pens with aggressive birds.

Avoid teasing and rough play, which can make aggression worse.

Mark any pen with an aggressive bird so visitors and new workers know to be careful.

• Carry a board as a barrier
• Keep children out of pens
• Do not tease or chase large birds

How do hygiene and health fit in?

Poultry can carry germs that cause illness in people, even when they look healthy. Waterfowl can carry some of the same germs. Wash your hands after handling birds, eggs or equipment, and keep food away from bird areas.

Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. The CDC and state health agencies publish current guidance, so check there.

Clean boots and clothing after handling birds, and wash work clothes separately from household laundry when possible.

• Wash hands after handling birds or eggs
• Keep food and drinks out of bird areas
• Check current CDC poultry guidance

How do you prepare for loading and transport?

Plan for loading with a clear route, good lighting and enough helpers. Keep birds calm and avoid overcrowding in crates. Hauling rules vary by state and event, so confirm what applies with your state agriculture department.

Ask extension specialists about handling methods for your birds. Youth work rules are set by the U.S. Department of Labor, so confirm what young people may do.

• Check hauling and show rules ahead of time
• Use enough helpers to load calmly

What about breeding season and brooding birds?

Birds that are breeding or protecting nests and young can be more defensive. Give them space and let them come to you when possible. Do not reach under a brooding bird without a plan, and approach slowly and from the front where she can see you.

Plan nest checks and egg collection at times that cause the least stress. Wear gloves and eye protection if a bird has been aggressive. Ask your veterinarian or extension specialist for advice on managing breeders.

• Approach brooding birds from the front
• Wear eye protection with aggressive birds
• Do not rush egg collection

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.