I'm picking up my first turkey poults........Any advice?

[chicmom]

Hello turkey people!

I'm picking up three turkey poults on Saturday. I will do some research so that I'm prepared, but do you folks have any tips or really good info to share with me so that I'll be prepared?

These will be my first turkeys ever and I'm soooo excited! I haven't even picked out the breed yet, this man carries several breeds and he will have week old poults or day old poults for me.....

Thanks for your help,
Sharon

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
take the week old poults-they have been trained where their food and water are--most people raise them with chicks so the chicks can show the poults feed and water at all times. They need to be reminded constantly- especially the water. turkeys are the brightest bulbs on the tree good luck turkey poults are fun

 

[jdopler]

They may not be the brightest but they sure have great antics to keep you entertained.
Turkey poults grow much faster than chicks do, you will be amazed. Remember to feed unmedicated to them, other than that its like brooding little chicks.
My first turkeys were great free-rangers too. Last summer the area was overrun by grasshoppers, but not my yard! BTW mine made me a little baby this year.. the only one to survive from about 12 eggs sadly the day after he hatched a predator got the rest of the hatching eggs, I am really hoping next year will be more successful
well good luck and welcome to the world of turkeys!

 

[Lagerdogger]

Pick the color you want, regardless of the age. Turkeys are not hard to start, and they don't need to be reminded where the food and water are. It is true that you seldom see them eat or drink unless you watch them a lot or hand feed them. But they are sneaking food constantly. I have never raised mine with chickens, and have had no problems. So decide what colors you want the adults to be and get them. Visit them often and have fun, they have way more personality than those little runty egg laying things (of which I have about 50).

Be sure to get the right feed. They will grow fast fast fast!! Have fun!!

 

[cbreezerentals]

I just picked my first turkey poults up yesterday. I have them started on medicated turkey starter, I put marbles in their waterer to prevent them from drowning as they are clumsy. They were a few days old when I got them and knew to drink and eat but to be on the safe side I had a chick to put in with them the first day. They are very cute.

 

[cowdogcadillac]

They'll be struttin in no time. Enjoy them. Much more personality then chickens. They also eat like Hogs!!