how to transition 8 wk old poults to semi-free-range?

[patandchickens]

My 3 BBB poults are 8+ wks old now. Thus far they've been in with half a dozen same-age chicks, with access to a small 4x8' run. But now that we're back from vacation (my gosh have they ever GROWN!) they really need to be split off into their own pen (4x6 indoors plus 4x14 roofed concrete-with-bedding run) and I am hoping to get them spending most of their days in a paddock about 100'x100' with 6' chainlink fencing.

1) Are they big enough yet to be reasonably safe from hawks when loose in the paddock, or if not, when would you guess they would be? There is not much in the way of cover available there, except for them to duck into the roofed run.

2) Does it sound reasonable to move them into that pen and allow them only daytime run access (no paddock access, and shut them indoors at night) for a week or so while I train them to come to me for food, so I can put them back in at night once they are turned loose? Or would you suggest some different plan?

3) Are they going to be able to figure out that if they're loose in the paddock and get hot or thirsty they should go thru the roofed run to their indoor area, or are they going to stand out there on the grass in the sun going 'duhhhhh' til they die of heatstroke?

Thanks very much, these are my 'test drive' turkeys and I have no idea what I'm doing and really don't want to screw up even though they're 'only' headed for the freezer,

Pat

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

hey Pat!

we had BBW's last year and they did GREAT on pasture - and they loved it. basically defied all the bad news you hear about them - other than they loved bagged food and snarfed it down.i highly recommend good turkey grower - mine ate a lot of other things like fruit and veggies too.

to answer you questions:

1. not really sure if any poultry is safe from hawks but they are big enough to be outside

2. day only? YES and lock them up tight at night.. they will get the hang of coming to you and they will want to roost at nite. they are easily 'herded' back in at nite but make sure you start BEFORE sunset or they get scared and roost in funny places

3. yes they will figure it out. BUT they might not know/find where the food/water is at first so put several waterers out.

also we started ours in shade first - for a while and in a small area and for short periods (a couple hours) at a time. in my experience turkeys dont like new things so you have to gradually change things like their schedules.

and like i said - dont believe the hype. mine flew, roosted up high, grazed, chased bugs, and basically turkeyed around having a good ol' time. they were not stupid, lazy, or stinky. they were fun AND good eatin'!

lemme know if this helps or if you have specific questions