Tom Turkey vs. Bad Goose

I was awakened this morning by a commotion in the east yard. Tom Turkey had taken his harem there. This was the first time he and Bad Goose had ever met. What a hoot. Tom was all puffed out struttin' his stuff and gobbling outside of BG's enclosure. (We moved BG and his un-named lady duck to the big kennel which is closer to the house for their safety and our convenience.) BG was inside honking and warning him to not come any closer. Once Tom got too near and BG, hissing all the way, ran up to the fence with his head lowered. Tom Turkey immediately switched to reverse. It is surprising how quickly a bird that large can back up! It was funny to watch. In the meantime, one of Tom's girls wandered into the chicken pen and couldn't figure out how to get back out. She was complaining loudly and now Tom had a dilemma. Does he rescue his lady or stand his ground. I decided to end the confrontation and herd him back to his territory on the west side. He refused to go without his lady who was still squawking because she couldn't find the gate. I went inside and guided her out of the enclosure and she joined her pals. What should have been an easy trip back to their side of the yard took a detour when a cat showed up. The other hen turkey decided she needed to check out Karl Kitty more closely. Karl Kitty didn't agree with that assessment, but no matter which way he turned there was one of those big white and black birds there. I picked up Karl and continued to herd the others back to their area. Once on familiar turf, they hurried back to their quarters and went about the business of being turkeys. We haven't named the hens yet, but I'm leaning toward Tough for the loudmouth and Tender for the smaller one. Probably the most humorous thing about this encounter was the goats. All of them were standing at the fence intently watching the events unfolding in the yard. They still don't understand what those white and black feathered things are that make that funny noise. I think they were rooting for Bad Goose!