- Jul 13, 2014
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Hi forum
Recently I have adopted to idea of raising turkeys, however I am very new to poultry of any kind. I live in somewhat of a neighborhood, however my land extends back into the woods about an acre. My neighbor whom I am very good friends with owns 20 acres of woods behind my house.
Just wondering, how much room do turkeys need and what are their needs as far as a coop and/or a run? Can toms roost with hens or do they need separate areas?
I have heard of free-ranging birds. How far do they roam? If they roam in the woods behind my house they will be fine, but I'm concerned they may decide to hang out in neighbors yards which would raise some ill feelings I'm sure.
I would like them so that I can show them next year in 4-H, so when should I purchase them and how old should they be when I do? Ideally I'd like to show and auction one or two, and keep one. Is there a prime age for auctioning them so they are most valuable? I have members that can help me show them, I just need to do the at-home care on my own.
I've also heard the hens lay. Is that regular throughout the year or do they stop laying in the winter? And can they survive in the winter without a heat lamp or anything? The location I would build the coop does not have any electricity access.
I've been showing horses for nine years and am ready to take on another animal to show. Turkeys seemed to be the most hardy (as the coop location would have no electricity) that don't need a ton of land (like cows or goats).
Also, what breed would everyone recommend to start out with? Which ones lay best and auction well at the same time? Thanks for any help!
Recently I have adopted to idea of raising turkeys, however I am very new to poultry of any kind. I live in somewhat of a neighborhood, however my land extends back into the woods about an acre. My neighbor whom I am very good friends with owns 20 acres of woods behind my house.
Just wondering, how much room do turkeys need and what are their needs as far as a coop and/or a run? Can toms roost with hens or do they need separate areas?
I have heard of free-ranging birds. How far do they roam? If they roam in the woods behind my house they will be fine, but I'm concerned they may decide to hang out in neighbors yards which would raise some ill feelings I'm sure.
I would like them so that I can show them next year in 4-H, so when should I purchase them and how old should they be when I do? Ideally I'd like to show and auction one or two, and keep one. Is there a prime age for auctioning them so they are most valuable? I have members that can help me show them, I just need to do the at-home care on my own.
I've also heard the hens lay. Is that regular throughout the year or do they stop laying in the winter? And can they survive in the winter without a heat lamp or anything? The location I would build the coop does not have any electricity access.
I've been showing horses for nine years and am ready to take on another animal to show. Turkeys seemed to be the most hardy (as the coop location would have no electricity) that don't need a ton of land (like cows or goats).
Also, what breed would everyone recommend to start out with? Which ones lay best and auction well at the same time? Thanks for any help!
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