Can you raise Meat Chickens/Turkeys in Winter?

[CoopCrazy]

I just found out that I will be moving back in with my folks... Bummer on sooo many levels.. But tons of positives.. Mainly I can raise whatever I want for food, eggs, fun etc... I want to try to get some meat birds going now rather than wait til spring.. I am planning on doing a pvc tractor 3 feet tall 10 x10 .... I really want to raise meat chickens but have heard they dont do well in the winter.. But what about turkeys? Are freedom rangers any better or worse then Cornish X in the cold? Would I have to get a Heritage breed turkey or could I use a BB White ? Sorry for all the questions its just that I will have 3 acres to do what I want with plus a huge 32x60 garage to build in... I really want to start what i can now..

 

[Buster52]

Adult turkeys are weather-hardy birds, but it takes a long time for them to get to that point. 8 weeks in warm weather. I imagine it would take forever to get them there in the winter. I have a few poults that are in my garage brooder who will remain there for quite some time before I let them out.

I would recommend just waiting until early spring to start with turkeys.

 

[jaku]

I'd wait until spring- depending on where you're living, think about moving that tractor around in the snow. Plus they just do better when it's a little warmer.

 

[CoopCrazy]

Yeah i think that I will have to ... But maybe I get the rabbits going now and maybe some quail in the garage.. Thanks for the help

 

[kooltex]

I have a few broilers now, they are a week old. Once they are out of the brooder, I'll keep em in a 15 x 15 chicken house, with access to the out side run. I've personally never had a problem raising birds in winter, but I do live in Tx and out winters aren't that bad. Turkey's would be hard to come by this time of year though.

 

[the simple life]

Well its only December but I haven't had any issues raising meatbirds here in New England thus far.