First time raising turkeys

[courtsmarans]

All right guys, this will be my first time raising broad-breasted turkeys for a 4-H project. Goal weight is around 20 pounds and the fair will be in September. When should I get them? Give me all the tips and tricks you guys have!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Do you have a leader in the 4-H club handling poultry? Great resource, not just when to get them but how to raise them, train them, prepare them for the show, and maybe even a source to get them.

Another great source is probably your county extension office. They are usually heavily involved in 4-H and should be able to put you in touch with a local expert.

More of a longshot but if you can find out who is running that portion of the fair they might be a great resource.

 

[courtsmarans]

I am usually the person in the club/county area for poultry questions. I have just never had a kid show turkeys, but now my brother wants to give it a go haha. I reached out to a few show friends who have either raised them or helped a 4-H member, just haven't gotten much advice. Thanks though!

 

[Frog Bog]

For BB turkey's it's usually 16-20 weeks. They usually dress out at 75%-80% of live weight. So 25lb live weight for 20lb carcass at 80%.

You'll have different weights within a flock. Some will be lighter and some heavier. So it's best to weight them. A hang scale and a feed bag works well.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

We raised a few turkeys this year for ourselves. But I found a lot of helpful info I'm this thread. Definitely check it out if you haven't seen it already. Happy Thanksgiving!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/raising-meat-turkeys-for-4-h-advice-please.458601/

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

I meant to add I would look into information all the various commercial strains (BUT, Nicholas, Hybrid maybe more). Factor that information into where you buy your birds. Good luck!

 

[muddy75]

my bbb’s today were around 15-18 lbs live weight @12 weeks, my bbw last thanksgiving was around 25 lbs live weight at 16 weeks. whites ime put on weight a bit faster than bronze and of course toms get heavier faster than hens. but 16 weeks is a pretty safe bet to make weight.