backyarder's you came through before

[mamarosa]

I have successfully raised 25 chickens in the "city" with backyarders help,
my flock is now 3 years old and this spring purchased another 25 and 3
bronze turkeys they have been in a brooder box with the chicks for about
4 weeks, they are all about 6-7 weeks now. some people say to seperate them
others say you don't have too. I hear turkeys fly unlike chickens. I do live in a
subdivision and I can't have turkey's flying around. Do you clip their wings???
any info on raising these guys would be appreciated. Can they be turkey
dinner by fall and what is the best feed for this purpose. Thanks all
help would be appreciated.....mamarosa

 

[Ms.Frizzle]

Its not flying so much as flapping hard enough to get off the ground for short distances and into trees. If you could enclose them in a run, that would work. Regarding clipping wings, it is the pinion feathers that you clip, although some people remove them compleatly. Keep in mind that clipping their feathers won't make them look as pretty, and idk about showing them.

 

[jasonm11]

Yes they will fly, not jump this bird was up about 25 feet in a flash. You can clip their wings and it might help but you will never keep a full grown heritage bird in a 6' fence unless he wants to stay. Feed them well, make sure they have friends and if you have dogs get them acustomed to the bird when you have them locked up for several days before releasing the birds into the yard. They are great to have around and very curious, but some are also very flighty. I would stay away from Merriam or Eastern Wild IMHO they seem to be very flighty. Bourbon Reds have a nice temperment and do not seem to be as flighty. Enjoy your birds.

 

[Dogfish]

Are they "Bronze", or are they "Broad Breasted Bronze" (BBB)?

If you got them from a local breeder, they are likely Bronze. If you got them from a feed store they are likely Broad Breasted Bronze. If they are the latter, you will have no issue growing a large turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. They also won't be able to fly very high. My BBB's could only fly about 4' vertically. My heritage birds will fly for 80-125 yards and have no issue getting anywhere they want in any tree on my farm

Where did you get the poults from?

You will likely enjoy them much more than your chickens. Turkeys have way more personality.

 

[fowlfrenzy1029]

i wouldnt worry about separating them from the chickens i have a royal palm hen that has been raised with my chickens all her life she is perfectly content i say if you handle them enough you will be just fine

 

[mamarosa]

my turkeys are the BBB, so this week we are trying to figure out how to let them out of the brooder and establish a great place for them to live and grow till thanksgiving, giving them freedom to range and be as natural as possible....