Have chickens but new to Turkeys

[Boudicea Farms]

I getting some turkeys tomorrow, going to the breeder of Heritage birds to select 6. Don't know a thing about raising turkeys but have had great success with my chickens. Spent this week building a run and shed, bought a waterer and feed. I was told to buy the gamebird feed, and limestone, I already provide oyster shell and granite to my hens, can i use the same stuff for both in the future? I am hoping out of the six I get a couple of hens and plan on keeping them and a tom for breeding next year. The poults are now 7 weeks old. So to the question what heritage breed is the best for breeding? I have the choices of Bronze, royal palm and the N one I can't pronouce let alone spell. I do plan on raising 3 for Butcher, out of the ones listed which would be the best duel purpose for breeding and eating? I am aware that heritage turkeys grow slower and do not have the large white meat breast of commercial birds. Also what do I feed and at what age to finnish a bird correctly. What medication should I keep on hand and what type of wormer? I have researched different sites all with conflicting info, figure someone on here can give me the advise i need. I live in what is considered a high desert region south western Idaho on the Oregon Border if that makes a difference on feed. Oh the run is 68 x 72 and the shed is 10x 8 with 6 foot ceiling how many birds can comfortably be in the space? Any info would be greatly appreciated

 

[exop]

Royal Palm are a lot smaller than the other two, they would be a smaller bird for eating. They have a reputation for being less friendly and more flighty. Hope I don't get in trouble with Royal Palm lovers for saying this.

Narragansett and Bronze are more of a traditional size eating turkey. The details of what size, how meaty, their personality and how successful at breeding may vary with strain, you should ask the person you are getting your turkeys from what their opinion is of the different breeds so you know what holds true for their turkeys.

I don't know much about Bronze. I have some Narragansetts myself and have to say that what I had heard about them being calm birds, not wandering far from home and being excellent mothers, so far seems to be true.

 

[Sally8]

Hi, Glad I saw your post. I have 2 Royal Palm/Bronze Toms and 1 Bronze hen. They are about 8 weeks old. I too, am trying to learn all I can about caring for them. Have had chickens before but never turkeys. Hope you don't mind that I tag along for the learning process.

 

[exop]

A couple more things,

I was told to buy the gamebird feed, and limestone, I already provide oyster shell and granite to my hens, can i use the same stuff for both in the future?

My turkeys seem to eat oyster shell no problem. On the other hand, I know someone who gives limestone to his chickens. Either will provide the calcium needed for laying eggs.
Quote: If they are allowed to range they will find much of their own food - they love to eat grass and clover and I have seen mine inhaling quite long pieces of grass, like a rabbit or a cow. Also small tender juicy weeds, berries, insects including cicadas, grass seedheads, etc. They have good food finding instincts and don't scratch up the ground, like a chicken does. Last year I was amazed at how little I had to feed my five turkeys during the summer and fall. (I started them out on a 26% protein turkey poult ration but switched to 21% chick mash and then 18% layer mash as they grew to adults.) Traditionally flocks of turkeys were raised in fields, like cattle and are supposed to prefer grass which is not too high (8 inches or shorter? I don't remember).

Heritage turkeys are ready to eat at about 7 months of age, at this age they have developed a layer of fat under the skin which helps baste them when roasted. It's also supposed to enhance the flavor and tenderness if you dry age the dressed birds for a couple days in your fridge before eating. I have not eaten any of my turkeys and can't give any help beyond what I have read.
Quote: The most serious turkey disease that I know of is blackhead disease, caused by a single celled parasite which can be carried by chickens or other birds. Its onset is swift but birds' lives can be saved if it is treated promptly. The treatment is metronidazole and it may be prudent to get some and keep it on hand in case you ever see a case of blackhead disease. It and other antibiotics (amoxycillin, cephalexin, etc) can be bought without a vet prescription when they are packaged for aquarium fish ("fish zole" is metronidazole).

The ALBC has written up a guide on raising turkeys, it tries to cover everything and maybe you would find the chapter on housing useful.
http://albc-usa.org/EducationalResources/turkeys.html

Good luck!

 

[Boudicea Farms]

feel free to tag along,picked up the babies today only 6 the AD said they were 7 weeks old turns out more like 4 just now getting their feathers. They look so small in their shed and I have been checking them hourly. Trying to get them to feed has been interesting to say the least, they ignore the feed pan even after spreading the feed on tinfoil, heard they are like ravens and are attracted to shiny object, finally got them in a small space, a dog carrier with enough room for them their waterer and spread a layer of food on the bottom. A big waste of food I imagine but worth it if that is the only way to feed them. I will also be spending time reading posts to glean as much info as possible. Everyone keeps telling me the mortality rate on turkey chicks is 50 percent, so I am out to prove them wrong even if I have to sleep with the little misters. Have been raiseing chicken for a few years now and have only lost 2 one due to old age she was 8 and another to the neighbors dogs which is now secured in a kennel. I am hoping the turkeys follow suit and I will have 6 healthy birds this time next year. I got 2 each of Spanish black, slate and Naggansetts ( sorry can't say it or spell it). Too young to tell if I got all Toms or a mix, hopefully they will be okay without having to baby them too much or I'll end up with 6 more pets just like the old laying hens, haven't the heart to butcher them so just keep expanding the hen house to make room for the new layers and let the old girls enjoy retirement

 

[Arielle]

Sounds like you are off to a good start. 50% loss seems a bit harsh. And your poults have made it to be several weeks old already.

I do use a baby sitter chick to teach the poults. A tukey tutor is how we call them on the turkey hatch a thon. Heads up first annual was this year, be sure to join us for next year. Cinquo de Mayo turkey a thon. Loads of fun hatching together.

Anyways . . . . baby those poults and you'll get there. Feed on the floor, pretty marbles in the water. They really need a little smart buddy to assist them.

We love our adults that we raised last year. Interesting creatures. The 3 boys hung out at the new run while we were building today. Just stood and watched! Nosy creatures. LOL

 

[frank53061]

Sounds like you are off to a good start. 50% loss seems a bit harsh. And your poults have made it to be several weeks old already.

I do use a baby sitter chick to teach the poults. A Turkey tutor is how we call them on the turkey hatch a thon. Heads up first annual was this year, be sure to join us for next year. Cinquo de Mayo turkey a thon. Loads of fun hatching together.

Anyways . . . . baby those poults and you'll get there. Feed on the floor, pretty marbles in the water. They really need a little smart buddy to assist them.

We love our adults that we raised last year. Interesting creatures. The 3 boys hung out at the new run while we were building today. Just stood and watched! Nosy creatures. LOL

All great advice I raised chics with my poults and worked out great and at 4 months the pullet chickens hang tight to the turkeys.
The young chickens prefer the turkeys over the older chickens and the turkeys are twice the size of the Pullets LOL.

 

[Arielle]

Yes, mine too. Eventually everyone grew up and the turkeys were not kind to there chicken friends, so I pulled the pullets to go live with the big girls. One black pullet , Midnight, Will still stop by for a brief visit with her old friends, then they drive her off again. It is what it is--Midnight free ranges and has new friends to roam with.