Any major differences raising turkeys than chickens?

[Tacswa3]

I'm thinking about raising a couple turkeys, just curious if there are any major differences from raising chickens. I'm raising 5 chickens right now, and thinking about expanding to a couple turkeys.

Feel free to point me to any good online reads or threads here

 

[ivan3]

There are differences: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-turkeys-what-do-i-need-to-know#post_11309891

Some references: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/850999/turkey-books

If you're goal is Thanksgiving meal, then it might be best to go with a commercial Broad Breasted White. They will mature rapidly (like CornishX).

 

[Tacswa3]

If you're goal is Thanksgiving meal, then it might be best to go with a commercial Broad Breasted White. They will mature rapidly (like CornishX).

This may be my goal to start, thanks for replying

 

[Hunster]

I'm thinking about raising a couple turkeys, just curious if there are any major differences from raising chickens. I'm raising 5 chickens right now, and thinking about expanding to a couple turkeys. 

Feel free to point me to any good online reads or threads here

 

[Hunster]

I have only raised one flock so far. I had BB Bronze and White turkeys. I had trouble with leg deformity. Multiple premature deaths. I have become very attentive to the heat as they are young ( 80 - 90 degrees ) seems to be comfort for my current flock. Feed is important for proper growth rate. I have heard of a turkey starter, grower , finisher. We have added a string and ping pong ball as activity to attempt to stop the pecking. So far so good! I also have 70 laying hens. I stared last year. I average 16-26 eggs per day. I have purines late a feed. I supplement with vitamins an minerals in there water. I feed them grass in the warm months and let them free range. Frequent cleaning of living quarters really makes the difference. Hope this helps.

 

[Arielle]

Ivans suggestion si good. Get your feet wet with the BBW and have them gone by THanksgiving. THey only need about 4 months to be plenty big, at 5 months mine were so big they just sat around waiting for the first date available at the butcher. My males weighed in at 35# dressed weight.

I don't keep turkeys with chickens other than the first few weeks, as they grow at different rates and need different feed ( higher % protein for the BBW).

WHen I got the heritage breeds I noticed the turkey hens did not tolerate their chicken friend ( brooded with) any ore andpecked at her to drive her out of their coop. Was really sad but to protect the chicken, she was kept with other chicken hatchmates.

I let my turkeys and chickens free range to gether as Black head has not been an issue here. BUt generally during breeding time they are separated and everyone does fine.

 

[ivan3]

I have only raised one flock so far. I had BB Bronze and White turkeys. I had trouble with leg deformity. Multiple premature deaths. I have become very attentive to the heat as they are young ( 80 - 90 degrees ) seems to be comfort for my current flock. Feed is important for proper growth rate. I have heard of a turkey starter, grower , finisher. We have added a string and ping pong ball as activity to attempt to stop the pecking. So far so good! I also have 70 laying hens. I stared last year. I average 16-26 eggs per day. I have purines late a feed. I supplement with vitamins an minerals in there water. I feed them grass in the warm months and let them free range. Frequent cleaning of living quarters really makes the difference. Hope this helps.

Good pointers on BB's. Some lines are more prone to manifesting the errors introduced by `traditional' `genetic engineering', than others. Avoiding slippery surfaces in brooder & preventing chills during first month are essential. And, as you mentioned, keeping their bedding clean throughout their lives is very good (they tend toward a bit of sluggishness attendant to their ever increasing mass and are more likely to hunker down rather than fly away).

If the OP chooses BB's, then spending more than the requisite time with, or naming, the `meals' isn't recommended (way too friendly and bred for doom).