Are turkeys and chickens compatible?

[pheasantfeeder]

I am getting 7 chickens in the spring and 4 turkeys and we are ordering them from cackle hatchery so should blackhead be a possibility? Any way any tips on raising turkeys would be great

 

[taprock]

They are and aren't. As far as living together they get along well. However, chickens do carry Histoplasmosis or Black Head that can make turkeys very sick and die. You should keep them separated. We wanted them together so we bought very inexpensive turkeys last year as a trial and they did fine so our chickens do not have black head in the flock. There will always be that risk so keep it in mind if you let them spend anytime together.

I loved turkeys and can't wait to get more, I don't have much advice, maybe plan lots of space and sturdy roosts!

 

[pheasantfeeder]

Thanks for the info even If I order them together and don't let them touch the ground can they still get blackhead?

They are and aren't.  As far as living together they get along well.  However, chickens do carry Histoplasmosis or Black Head that can make turkeys very sick and die.  You should keep them separated.  We wanted them together so we bought very inexpensive turkeys last year as a trial and they did fine so our chickens do not have black head in the flock.  There will always be that risk so keep it in mind if you let them spend anytime together.

I loved turkeys and can't wait to get more, I don't have much advice, maybe plan lots of space and sturdy roosts!