Here's a ridiculous question

[AshleyRae]

I got three laying chickens this spring. I really love them, and I appreciate that I have a source of food I can feel good about. I want to see if I can grow some meat birds. I thought two turkeys would be a good start, because if I can eat them fine, if not I get two pet turkeys.
My boyfriend said no, and I said "they're just like big chickens," and he said they weren't. I know that, but I wonder how are turkeys different from chickens. Also any helpful advice about raising animals for meat in general would be great.

 

[Bessetti]

Following this because I was thinking of adding a couple turkey to my chick order this spring!

 

[Twistedfeather]

If you get turkey's know that they are hard to not get attached to (even the Broad Breasted varieties) They will eat more than a Cornish Cross chicken and I would almost say as made as big of a mess as a Cornish Cross would for their size it was good. They're similar in personality in chickens but they seem more bubbleheaded. I also had a tougher time keeping them alive because believe it or not they really do stand in the rain. But all together they were really fun and rewarding. I would suggest starting out with birds like the Cornish Cross to see if this is really something you want to do.

Some tips:

-For first time don't get more than you think you'll eat in a year because chances are you'll do more the next year plus they eat a lot anyways and it might empty your pocketbook quick. Maybe start with 10-15 cornish or 2-6 turkeys?

-Be prepared to clean a lot or risk birds (meat birds or flock birds alike) getting ill.

-Have a butchering plan because soon these birds will start going through a bag of feed in 5 days (and that was only six!) Cornish are ready to butcher in 7 weeks.

-Get feed that will help birds gain weight and provide enough feeders and waterers so all can get to it.

- Try not to get too attached to birds you're going to produce for meat because it will be tough otherwise.



You can try alternative to the Broad Breasted Turkeys and go to some Heritage which will grow slower (much slower) if you want some for pets try the smaller Bettsville Small white, Black, or Royal Palm and see if that helps

 

[SilkieSmoooth]

I agree. Turkeys eat ALOT more then chickens, but they are just as addicting. I really love my Turkeys! They are so beautiful when they poof up. Turkeys are also more inclined to fly out, so if you don't have a top on your roost area it may be something to consider. They don't usually go far, but I have lost some to predators due to it. They do tear up the ground a little worse then chickens, too. I think they are more intriguing to watch though, and more meat then a chicken. Mine will follow me every morning until I feed them. All bird poop is gross, but I think Turkeys` poop is among some of the grossest. But I love my turkeys probably the most (except my silkies) out of chicken, ducks, emus.

 

[AshleyRae]

I've been growing increasingly concerned about the origins of my food. Accustomed as I am to keeping pets, I am not sure if I am capable of raising animals for meat. However, when we can afford to get some land, I want to have a farm. At that point I need to be able to eat my own animals or become a vegetarian. I ta good way to find out would be to raise my Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

 

[Bessetti]

I've been growing increasingly concerned about the origins of my food. Accustomed as I am to keeping pets, I am not sure if I am capable of raising animals for meat. However, when we can afford to get some land, I want to have a farm. At that point I need to be able to eat my own animals or become a vegetarian. I ta good way to find out would be to raise my Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Have you thought about getting meat from local farms until you have your own? I too have been very concerned lately about the animal products I am consuming and how the animals are treated. I am in the process of switching to only eating animal products when I know where they come from. Just made burgers from beef I got from a farm down the road and it was the BEST! Plus I know the cows are treated SOO well and have ample pasture space. Made me feel much better about what I was eating and I was supporting a local farm.