How to house meaties?

[Josh45640]

I am getting a couple BB whites for the sole purpose of eating in few months when they reach the correct size. How should I house them? I really dont want to build a special coop for something that im only going to have for a few months. Would it hurt to keep them with my chickens or is a few months too long to chance? How are they at free ranging? What size should a tractor be for a couple turkies if i go that route?

 

[mamarosa]

I am wondering the same....hope we get some answers

 

[jimmythechicken]

i keep mine in the freezer

 

[Josh45640]

 

[Unclebean]

I would guess you would be fine with a covered dog kennel for the short period of time you need housing.

 

[jasonm11]

let them free range, give them a good life until they are slaughter weight.

 

[Arielle]

IMHO I've read they don't fly so well, so they'll likely stay in with fencing; but not able to fly away from predators. So you may want to consider some predator protection while you are working on an economical solution. Maybe locking them up at night is something to consider. GL

 

[ColbyNTX]

I would keep them separate because of their feed needs and if blackhead is present in your area it can kill them. If you just getting a couple, just build a small 8x8 or 10x10 pen that you can use everytime you raise some. 5-6 foot will be fine. Remember they will be 4-6 months old before they reach slaughter weight and do you want to feed all your chickens 28-30% protien feed for that long? Much cheaper to build a small pen.

 

[kfchickenlady]

Good question! I was wondering the same, I just got 2 bronze turkey poults and need to figure out a pen. Thanks for the info!

 

[Mtn Margie]

So do they need a roost and if so how high? I would imagine that they are not going to be able to get off the ground closer to harvest time. I have 3 BB that are going on 5 weeks and it seems that they are already getting bottom heavy.