Wild turkeys sleep in trees at night. Although they nest on the ground, once they are strong enough to fly, they leave the ground to roost safely in tree branches. This behavior helps protect them from ground predators such as bobcats and coyotes

. Turkeys use their toes to firmly grip tree branches while they squat down to sleep, which prevents them from falling off during the night

. They prefer trees that provide good coverage and protection from predators and harsh weather, with pine trees being a favorite due to their year-round availability and dense foliage

. Baby turkeys (poults) sleep on the ground with their mother until they are old enough to fly and roost in trees, usually after about two weeks

. Domesticated turkeys, which are larger and less capable of flight, typically sleep in enclosed pens or brooders but may occasionally fly to nearby trees

. In summary, wild turkeys sleep perched high in trees for safety, gripping branches securely, while young poults and nesting hens stay on the ground until the young can fly