How long do you age your turkeys?

[MissPrissy]

Ohh, you know what they are doing? They aren't doing the 'strut' that I was speaking of - as in trying to woo you. They are warning the other people to stay back. They are ok with you being close to them.

My little turkeys come up and look at me as if to say why aren't you picking us up. LOL well, they aren't so little any more but not as big as yours yet.

 

[silkiechicken]

Ah, that would make sense. I keep asking them to show off for me so I can get a pic, but they look at me like I'm going to all the sudden turn into a loaf of bread they can eat. They are so adorable I don't really want to eat them, but that's what I got them for and I can tell they are having a harder and harder time standing under their weight. I have them on a finisher now so it's only like 22% protein vs 28%. I can go right up and pat them on their head and flop their snood over the top. It looks so funny. LOL When I get back up here with the camera, I'll have to get some shots and post them.

 

[MissPrissy]

If you want some turkeys to keep get the standards. Wishard Bronzes are what I want very badly.

 

[silkiechicken]

I know! I wish I had gotten turkeys years ago! But I can't get more birds now... trying to down size and still have 18 I can't part with.

 

[tropicalchicken]

Are these difficult to raise? I keep thinking about getting two to start with but had heard that they could not be around my chickens. I would love some input from someone who has raised them.

Thanks
Carole

 

[silkiechicken]

They aren't that bad really! They are actually really nice and follow you around too! I raised mine along side silkies believe it or not and they still find each other when I let everyone out and hang out for the day. Blackhead is the worry between chickens and turkey's, but it is not a problem in this area. Ask your state ag vet/resources to see if blackhead is an issue. If it is, keep them apart, if it's not, go ahead and raise them up together. I got three but one died at 3 weeks old for no apparent reason.

 

[tropicalchicken]

Thank you for the information. I just had a hard time believing it would be any more difficult than the chickens are, and I love the chickens. I am going to do some research for our location, and if it looks ok I am going to get two, well maybe three to start with as I know sometimes something will die along the way.

 

[MissPrissy]

I have 18 of these and haven't lost any. They are big sweeties and want attention from us.