Gonna have some turkeys!

[Sjisty]

I just candled my RP and BB eggs, day #12. As far as I can tell, 7 out of my original 8 are developing. I'll have turkeys the first week of August! These are my first - any tips?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

I assume you have brooded chicks before? Turkeys are basicly the same except they need a higher protien feed - we use a 28% medicated game bird starter. Also, turkeys can be "quirky" for the first few weeks about eating and drinking. Keep an eye on them to make sure they are all going for the feed and water.

Steve in NC

 

[Sjisty]

Thanks, Steve. Yes, I have brooded lots o' chicks. After getting these turkey eggs I have heard a lot about problems regarding flying, blackhead, etc., so I'm a little bit apprehensive about keeping these guys around once they have hatched.

 

[mylittlezoo]

Not meaning to hijack, but I have similar concerns regarding the mixing chicks / turkeys... does anyone have any insight? I may be about to recieve some turkey poults in a 'mixed bag' i ordered.....

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

You wait 'till they hatch and look at you with those big "turkey eyes", trust me it will be all over at that point. lol

We try to hatch some chicks with the poults when we can. the chicks tend to be more active eating and drinking wise and the poults will follow them. after about a week or so we take the chicks out only because of the higher protein feed for the poults - 28% is about $3 more a bag than 19% chick start n grow.

Steve in NC