Hi,
I know absolutely nothing about turkeys but someone gave my hubby 4 turkey eggs, and we wound up with 2 turkeys hatching. Unfortunately, one died in the shell and the other egg never developed, probably not fertile.
The first thing I did was do a lot of research on how to raise poults, which was very helpful.
This has been quite a learning experience, as we had to figure out how to make them eat. Getting the food was not a problem, as our local Agway stocks turkey starter.
We had to feed them with our fingers many times a day (and dipped their beaks in the water to make them drink). We also put shiny objects (stainless steel nuts and marbles) in their food and water to encourage them to peck. I thought round, shiny balls from ball bearings would be great but the hardware store had only chrome plated ones and they immediately oxidized in the water, so I removed them.
It was a challenge at first but now they're eating us out of house and home at 9 weeks! I probably shouldn't, but I just started mixing game bird food with the starter, as I cannot seem to find turkey grower anywhere.
Now I'm trying to figure out if we have hens or toms or one of each. Is there anything I should look for? I did notice that the turkey in the last picture has a larger skin growth under its chin. I know there is a name for this, but I can't think of it.
I am hoping I can keep these two as pets but if it doesn't work out, I have someone with lots of acreage that would love to take them. And they don't eat their birds either, so that makes me feel better. They are so tame and friendly that they will make great pets!
I was told that they are Black Spanish turkeys, but I don't know how accurate that is.
We have been keeping them indoors because it is very cold out and I'm afraid, because of their young age, that letting them out at this time of year may not be a good idea. Anyone have any thoughts on that? There is a door in the coop that leads to a fenced-in outdoor area that I could use when it is safe to let them out.
Thanks for any help! Genie
I know absolutely nothing about turkeys but someone gave my hubby 4 turkey eggs, and we wound up with 2 turkeys hatching. Unfortunately, one died in the shell and the other egg never developed, probably not fertile.
The first thing I did was do a lot of research on how to raise poults, which was very helpful.
This has been quite a learning experience, as we had to figure out how to make them eat. Getting the food was not a problem, as our local Agway stocks turkey starter.
We had to feed them with our fingers many times a day (and dipped their beaks in the water to make them drink). We also put shiny objects (stainless steel nuts and marbles) in their food and water to encourage them to peck. I thought round, shiny balls from ball bearings would be great but the hardware store had only chrome plated ones and they immediately oxidized in the water, so I removed them.
It was a challenge at first but now they're eating us out of house and home at 9 weeks! I probably shouldn't, but I just started mixing game bird food with the starter, as I cannot seem to find turkey grower anywhere.
Now I'm trying to figure out if we have hens or toms or one of each. Is there anything I should look for? I did notice that the turkey in the last picture has a larger skin growth under its chin. I know there is a name for this, but I can't think of it.
I am hoping I can keep these two as pets but if it doesn't work out, I have someone with lots of acreage that would love to take them. And they don't eat their birds either, so that makes me feel better. They are so tame and friendly that they will make great pets!
I was told that they are Black Spanish turkeys, but I don't know how accurate that is.
We have been keeping them indoors because it is very cold out and I'm afraid, because of their young age, that letting them out at this time of year may not be a good idea. Anyone have any thoughts on that? There is a door in the coop that leads to a fenced-in outdoor area that I could use when it is safe to let them out.
Thanks for any help! Genie
