I have this neighbor down the road. (He can be a real Turkey at times)We still have one hen. Turkeys can be a challenge getting them to 8 weeks, but after that they are pretty indestructible. If you want them for pets, I would suggest heritage turkeys. The broad breasted are a lot like CX and tend to be short lived but pack on the meat early on. Turkeys also require a starter that is significantly higher in protein to chick starter 24-28% and elevated levels of niacin, thiamin and methionine. Turkeys also need a LOT more space than chickens and once grown aren't particularly at risk from raptors. What has worked best for us is putting 4-5 week old chicks in with day old turkeys. Those chickens will never join in with the other chickens but will forever hang with the turkeys. But they teach the turkeys how to stay alive and what NOT to do as baby turkeys seek to find creative ways to commit suicide. Once grown, assuming you spend a lot of time with them while they are babies, they are like big feathered dogs. They'll follow you everywhere, sit in your lap and love to be petted. Best source for turkeys is Porters. He has many many different color varieties.
