How hot is too hot for a turkey?

[erinszoo]

So it's been like a thousand degrees here and is only supposed to get worse with forecasts for 110+. My turkeys have been panting and laying sprawled in the shade with their wings spread out not moving much. We set up a mister in one corner of their yard yesterday and they seemed to love it. I also have frozen 2 liter bottles out for them. Any ideas how hot is too hot for a turkey? Any ideas for other ways to cool them down?

 

[Narragansett]

Turkeys were first domesticated in Mexico and the American southwest, so there really is no such thing as too hot, except for the Broad Breasted breeds, as long as they have appropriate shade or shelter, and water. The BB breeds may need more attention to ventilation if housed, but every supermarket Thanksgiving turkey survived the hottest part of summer in very crowded conditions. Bottom line, cared for like they should be, you should have few problems unless you have other health issues going on.

 

[erinszoo]

Good to know, thanks! Ours did fine today. We have white hollands and have a mister in one corner of the yard. They spent their day getting wet and then laying in the shade until they were too hot again and getting wet all over again. It's kind of funny to watch.

 

[SkyWarrior]

And here I was worried about them in 85F temperatures.

Thanks!

 

[erinszoo]

Well if they make it through this week of 105 + temps I'd say they can take just about anything. They do love the mister on the hose though and will run through it like a little kid with a sprinkler in the yard.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Good shade, plenty of airflow, and copious amounts of clean, fresh water that's not laying in the sun getting hot. No need for anything else. They'll survive. Won't like it much, but they'll survive.

In weather like this it's the turkey keeper that must take precautions. Don't over exert yourself and be sure to keep your water intake up.

 

[flewdacoop]

LOTS OF COOL WATER AND AIR FLOW