Getting started with Meat Turkeys

[ForFlocksSake]

Hello! Chicken lady here looking to grow some turkeys to harvest. I have what I call the "maternity ward" section of my chicken run which is an 8x8 covered area that I usually use as a grow out pen or for a hatching broody. It's empty now and id like to raise some turkeys in there to harvest for the holidays but have no idea what I'll need. From my research it looks like broad breasted are the best for meat. So here are my questions:

Where do I get my chicks? Im looking at Cackle and Meyer but am open to other recommendations.

What do they need in the run? The area is completely empty right now. Just sand on the ground (natural for our area) and an angled roof with a tarp to protect from rain. I read turkeys dont need a coop. How do broadbreasted sleep?

Can they use port feeders like chickens?

Can they use nipple waterers?

My goal is to keep this as simple as I can. Of course I want them to live in the best conditions but these will not be pets so the less I need to buy/build the better.

Typically, how many weeks will I wait before harvest?

Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Most broad breasted are ready for harvest between 4-6 months. Any hatchery that have some available is good. Their usually is a 15-20 poult minimum. Your pen is way too small to raise that many. Recommended is 4 square feet per bird inside, and 10 square feet for the run.

Turkey poults eat a lot of feed when growing. They should be started on a game bird starter than transitioned to a grower formulated for meat birds.

I've used regular chicken feeder for poults, and switch to hang on pans when they get bigger. I don't know about the nipples, but I believe big producers water their birds that way.

Broad breasted shouldn't be given roosts unless they are very low on the ground as they are prone to leg problems due to rapid growth. They also can have heart problems.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

Most broad breasted are ready for harvest between 4-6 months. Any hatchery that have some available is good. Their usually is a 15-20 poult minimum. Your pen is way too small to raise that many. Recommended is 4 square feet per bird inside, and 10 square feet for the run.

Turkey poults eat a lot of feed when growing. They should be started on a game bird starter than transitioned to a grower formulated for meat birds.

I've used regular chicken feeder for poults, and switch to hang on pans when they get bigger. I don't know about the nipples, but I believe big producers water their birds that way.

Broad breasted shouldn't be given roosts unless they are very low on the ground as they are prone to leg problems due to rapid growth. They also can have heart problems.

Thank you! Cackle seems to allow small orders. I was thinking 4-5?

What do they sleep on if not roosts?

 

[R2elk]

Thank you! Cackle seems to allow small orders. I was thinking 4-5?

What do they sleep on if not roosts?

A bale of hay or straw is a suitable roost once they are bigger.

Most people get their small orders of meat turkeys through their local feed stores. It's too late in the year for that option now.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you! Cackle seems to allow small orders. I was thinking 4-5?

What do they sleep on if not roosts?

That number should work. I have read straw bales for roosting. More than likely they will just lay down.