Coop or Free Air...

[anthonyjames]

I am looking at getting between 4 and 6 Turkeys in May next year. I have never raised turkeys before and just started raising chickens (layers) this year. I plan on getting some meat chickens next year and wanted to try turkeys. I am hoping to raise the turkeys until November then hopefully process and sell.

What would the turkey type I would use for a 5 - 6 month growing period?
Is it best to build a coop? If so what is the size recommendations for 4 - 6 turkeys?
Should it be fully enclosed or 3 sided structure?
Is it better to have one roost or a couple for 4 - 6 birds?
Do they need a certain size run area like chickens? My chickens free range for 3 to 4 hours towards the end of the day if possible.

Thanks

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

A broad breasted type turkey will be ready to process in 4 1/2 months - ish . A heritage type at least 6 months.

Turkeys don't seem to like closed areas (coop) unless they are raised in one from the start. We were using open range roosts for ours but every now and then the owls were picking off the chickens that roost with the turkeys so we had to close in 3 sides. The turkeys didn't like it and we had to re train them to go in at night.

If you are just going to raise them for the summer and process in the fall you could just do a lean to/ manger type thing to give them shelter from the rain. For just a few turkeys one roost would be fine.

Steve in NC