![]() ![]() Keep reading for some interesting facts about turkeys.Ī rafter, flock, or a gang A group of wild turkeys is called a flock when domesticated, you refer to them as a rafter of turkeys. Whether the turkeys are for home consumption or for sale, you must make plans for processing, whether that is through home processing or custom processing.Turkeys are a staple of many American Thanksgiving dinners, but how much do you know about these birds? Do you know what a group of turkeys is called? How big can they get? What do they eat? PROCESSINGĪ small number of turkeys can be raised in a relatively small area, but you need to adhere to the local zoning laws and ordinances in order to raise, process, and sell turkeys. It is important to not fill the feeders too full, or feed will be wasted. This will keep the feed and water clean after the first week. The edge of the feeder trough should be at the level of a turkey’s back. The height of the feeders should be adjusted to match the birds’ growth. Note that chicken starter and grower diets are too low in protein, and turkeys fed these diets will have reduced growth performance.Īs the turkeys grow, they get taller and their necks get longer. A turkey grower diet typically has 26% protein. It is generally recommended that you use turkey starter diets for the first four weeks. Turkey starter diets typically contain 28% protein in crumble form. Adequate feeder and waterer space ensures that all the poults in the flock have an opportunity to eat and drink.Ĭommercial varieties of turkeys are fast-growing. The bottom half of an egg carton makes a good starting feeder for the first few days. Bright-colored marbles may help to attract the poults to the water. Open dishes or pans are not recommended because poults may fall in, get chilled, and die. Dipping their beaks in the water helps to teach them where the water is located. Some young turkeys have trouble finding the feed and water, resulting in death from “starve out.” To ensure that your poults find the feed and water, it is best to spend some time with them for the first day or so. Created by Gregory Martin, Pennsylvania State University Feed and waterįeed and water should be available to the growing turkeys at all times. Rounding all the corners of the brooding area with a brooder guard reduces the likelihood of a corner pileup. Poults startle easily, causing them to crowd on top of each other. The brooder guards keep the poults near heat, feed, and water. Brooder guardsĪ brooder guard should be used during the first week or two. ![]() The paper will become slippery and can cause leg problems. Do not use newspapers or other slick materials on top of the litter. Any wet litter should be removed and replaced with fresh litter. The purpose of the litter is to absorb moisture and insulate poults from the cold floor. Do not use sawdust because poults may eat it and have digestive problems. Wood shavings are the best litter for turkeys. The height of the bulb can be adjusted as the temperature needs to change. The bulb should be suspended at least 18 in. A red infrared heat lamp is best to supply the heat needed. In the brooding area, the temperature should be started at 100☏, measured two inches above the floor (that is, at the level of the poult). Turkey poults (young turkeys one day old and older) are more difficult to get started than chicks. Poults need to be raised in a warm, draft-free environment because they are unable to regulate their body temperature for the first 10 days of life. BROODINGīrooding poults (Image by Erika J Mitchell on ) Temperature Smaller weights can be achieved by raising the turkeys for a shorter period of time. at 14 weeks of age, and toms (males) weigh about 28 to 30 lb. Hens commonly reach a live weight of 15 lb. The most common variety grown commercially is the Large White, but there are many other breeds of turkeys to choose from. The types of turkeys often referred to as “breeds” are actually varieties of a single breed of turkey. ![]() Are you raising turkeys for your own consumption or for sale? Once you have determined your goals, you need to pick the type of turkey and housing. This will dictate the best breed and management system for your flock. While raising turkeys does not require a lot of time each day, turkeys do require daily care.īefore starting a flock of turkeys, it is important to identify your goal. Many people are starting to raise their own turkeys. While often the meat of choice on Thanksgiving and Christmas, turkey is a versatile meat that can be eaten any time of the year. Flock of backyard turkeys (Image by Adriana Iacob on )Ĭompared to other meats, turkey is relatively lean and nutritious. ![]()
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