A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

The good news is it only happens a couple of different times of day. I guess they like to mix it up. But its predictable and I know their playbook, don't ask why... So I just don't process when there's a high risk of fly over. They can only inspect, if I'm processing when they show up.:tongue
 
Banty, what kind of critter is in your avatar? I'm trying to increase my flock of rouen's without a lot of success. I think partly because the drakes weren't as effective in their activities this time around. I used two drakes with a dozen hens for breeding and got a lot of clear eggs. I now have four with them as the four are from a different flock. I'm having their siblings for dinner tonight.
 
So..... turkey questions! I am interested in getting some next summer.

  1. How many square feet per turkey do I need, if they have access to an outdoor run? How many square feet per turkey would I need in the run?
  2. Do you reccomend I keep them with some chickens so they see what the chickens are doing and copy?
  3. How tall should my fence be? I was thinking 6 feet. If that is overkill, I don't care, but if it is underkill, please tell me! :D
 
The good news is it only happens a couple of different times of day. I guess they like to mix it up. But its predictable and I know their playbook, don't ask why... So I just don't process when there's a high risk of fly over. They can only inspect, if I'm processing when they show up.:tongue
:eek:

Banty, what kind of critter is in your avatar? I'm trying to increase my flock of rouen's without a lot of success. I think partly because the drakes weren't as effective in their activities this time around. I used two drakes with a dozen hens for breeding and got a lot of clear eggs. I now have four with them as the four are from a different flock. I'm having their siblings for dinner tonight.
Ancona duck. Ain't she purdy?
 
So..... turkey questions! I am interested in getting some next summer.

  1. How many square feet per turkey do I need, if they have access to an outdoor run? How many square feet per turkey would I need in the run?
  2. Do you reccomend I keep them with some chickens so they see what the chickens are doing and copy?
  3. How tall should my fence be? I was thinking 6 feet. If that is overkill, I don't care, but if it is underkill, please tell me! :D
I'll let others reply to questions one and two. As for three, it depends... If you get BB turkeys, you could probably work with a short fence depending on predators as they don't fly. If you have heritage breeds I recommend a 4' fence (I like premier1's feather net) to keep predators out, but don't expect to keep turkeys in. Heritage birds after 8 weeks old are pretty indestructible and go where they want. Spend a LOT of time with them... But be prepared for them to join you wherever you are on property.
 
I'll let others reply to questions one and two. As for three, it depends... If you get BB turkeys, you could probably work with a short fence depending on predators as they don't fly. If you have heritage breeds I recommend a 4' fence (I like premier1's feather net) to keep predators out, but don't expect to keep turkeys in. Heritage birds after 8 weeks old are pretty indestructible and go where they want. Spend a LOT of time with them... But be prepared for them to join you wherever you are on property.
Okay. Thanks! We have a LOT of hawks and coyotes so I think I'll keep the fence high. Would an electric fence wire zap them too much?
 
Okay. Thanks! We have a LOT of hawks and coyotes so I think I'll keep the fence high. Would an electric fence wire zap them too much?
For aerial predators, give your birds safe spaces where they can go. Shelters they can easily enter and exit. Also, put up obstacles to clear lines of flight. I have a small hawk that's rare and endangered living on my property... She's very smart and has claimed a few birds. However, as she flew into pasture, she bounced off one of the shelters and the turkey hens made quick work of her. EPA not happy, hens fulfilled. Haven't lost any more broilers to the family.:wee
 

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