How many toms to hens?

[beccaWA]

I have a pair of young turkeys, male and female, and was wondering if I should introduce more females now (2 months old) or later? If they are like ducks, which I raise, you really need a few females to one male ratio.

Thanks!

 

[feedman77]

I usually do one tom to 3 or 4 hens.

1 to 1 usually isn't good for the hen.

If you get poults same age I would introduce them. Pecking order should be too long to settle at that age.

 

[beccaWA]

Thank you. I figured it was similar to the other fowl, one male for X amount of females. I just found someone who had an ad for BR poults that are about the same age as mine. Hopefully, they know which is male or female. I hope they still have some left.

 

[feedman77]

Most of the time it takes me about the 4 to 5 month old range before I can tell for sure. I raise bourbons, palm, and chocolates.

Sometimes earlier off of calls they make and body size.

Good luck

 

[beccaWA]

Actually, the larger one is starting to "display". That is a male, right? The other one, I don't know. They're the same age but she(?) is much smaller and does not do the display thing.

 

[feedman77]

I would say that is a good sign. But sometimes hens will display at that age.