Considering a turkey, looking for advice...

[tanyizzle]

Hey all, we currently have 9 chickens (plenty of room for more) and are considering adding a turkey under the hopes of it being extra tastey around the holidays. We ran the idea by the kid who approved it, and would be naming it Dinner so that he doesn't forget its going to get eaten. I assume people have done it, but are there issues with raising one turkey with a bunch of chickens? Preferred breed? Would it be ready in time for thanksgiving? Any other concerns I should have? Thanks.

 

[ColbyNTX]

Some areas have blackhead which is passed from chickens to turkeys. Most of us do it and have no problems. You would need to get a broad breasted type to be big for thanksgiving. Heritage birds are better but need 8-9 months of growth. If you could find a 2-3 month old heritage, that would be fine. Get a couple in case something happens to one and if it doesn't, you have one for Christmas also.

 

[tanyizzle]

Also is there a place I can get just two of em? Looking online but I don't need 15 : \\

 

[Oghdoff]

I'm at a lose when it comes to the geographics of NY, but NYRIR was selling some heritage birds I think.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=517336
Hope the link works and helps.

 

[ColbyNTX]

Quote:
You will have to get them from an indiviusal from sites like craigslist. Go to the farm&garden section and search turkey & then turkeys.

 

[Oghdoff]

I really wish every area had a site like southeasttexas.com

 

[ccm352]

what areas are more prone to blackhead?

 

[tanyizzle]

Is it better to get males or females if you're planning on eating them? Is one noisier than the other?

 

[Arielle]

Do you have feed stores near by? More and more feed stores near me have added poultry/chick sales for the spring/summer months. If one feed store doesn't have poults arriving , do try another. I don't know state rules for NY, in massa chusetts we are required to purchase 6. I remind the sales clerk that I already bought and have way more than 6 to keep the new ones company! GL

 

[ColbyNTX]

Quote:
They both eat well but the males get bigger! Turkeys are not too noisy but they do gobble a bit.