Close call on impulse buy (Turkey)

[Cyberous]

I decided to stop at the local feed store and they hand White and Bronze turkeys.

I thought humm,.. could get one and have it ready for Thanks Giving.

Then I thought,.. wait I only have a 10x10 coop and already have 7 RIR, and 8 Cornish X (will be processed in 3 weeks).

They still have them and still contemplating... I know nothing about Turkeys.

1. How fast do they grow (how big will it be by Nov if I got it today (chick).
2. How much room do they need?

3. Can I get just one?

4. Can they co-habitate with my chickens (Ages 3m-3Y)

5. Do they free range like chickens (come back home at night?)

Anything else I need to know, should I?

Also whats the difference between the white and bronze?

What would you choose?

Don

 

[walkswithdog]

Ask your extension agent if there's blackhead in your area. IF there is then you can't do turkeys in the same coop with chickens. If there isn't then yes, they're fine living with them, they get along, they free range.

They use a good bit of space, remembering you have to allow for wingspan of an adult bird if it's going to get up to the roosts. They grow fast. Yes, today's poult is this years turkey dinner.

I coop my turkeys at night separate mostly for wingspan issues, they all get along with the chickens. If you're adding just one, you don't need as much room as my three prefer.

They're social and friendly and tend to become pets. I know mine are.

 

[Cyberous]

Thanks for the feedback, I will have to research blackhead.

again, thank you!

Don

 

[briana1975]

We did the same thing. Look at the cute turkey poults at TSC. So we brought 2 home. It all worked out well. They are like 12 weeks old now. But being meat breeds they eat poop and grow. We likes them so much even though they will be for Chirstmas and Thanksgiving so... we got 2 more. These two were supposed to be Bourbon Reds. Well they turned out to be Sweetgrass poults. Well we found out about them and MJ felt bad about the mix up and now we have two more this time Bourbon Reds for sure. The 4 newest ones are growing much slower and almost no smell at all. A lot less poop. They are a lot of fun and we love to talk with them. Good luck if you decide to get some it is worth it.

 

[Lu King]

Does anyone have a picture of a "Sweetgrass" turkey? I have never heard of them.

 

[leonie]

My turkeys are free range with my chickens. The stag is quite handy as he breaks up the cocks when they're squabbling. He's like the local sheriff