I'm planning to raise heritage breed turkeys this year...

[Pampered Hen]

I'm considering to raise Bourbon Red Turkeys for meat and was wondering how long they would take to reach "butchering age"? I'm also hoping if people would share their wisdom on raising turkeys in general. Can they live in close proximity to my laying hens? Could they even mix? What do I need to look out for?

 

[rhoda_bruce]

As far as meat is concerned, I don't blame you for choosing a turkey. Very big body, fast growth and low on fat. As far as raising them along with chickens are concerned, I would say it is possible, but have a back-up plan, just in case you see its not working out. I did experience difficulties with my male. I have a story, but it is rather long. But regardless, they can be very intimidating and cruel. My male killed one of his own babies right in front of me after guarding the hen for about a month of setting. He also bullied the other birds in the coop and ate my chicken eggs right out of the nesting boxes.
He did, however, provide my family with about 4 meals. I named him Keeland, after my ex-boss, for several reasons. I kept the female, because she was a good setter and just ate her eggs, which were infertile after Keeland's passing. I can easily see why turkey sperm is sold online, because I wouldn't mind having females and, like you, wouldn't mind them for meat, but I don't know about getting a male. If I ever do, he will have a special place to keep my family and flock safe.
I do consider them beautiful animals, for the most part. A good investment, when properly executed.

 

[slaghunter]

A good investment, when properly executed.

Funny post.

 

[rhoda_bruce]

Sometimes I am accidentally funny. I guess I walked right into that one.

 

[TimG]

Can turkeys be let out to free range, or do they have to be kept penned? Or, maybe I should ask if they will come back if they are let out to free range.

 

[houndit]

I freerange mine whenever possible. They eat so much less feed that way. They usually come back.

 

[farmerlor]

Turkeys, and in my opinion, Bourbon Turkeys especially are a great investment for you meat dollar (this from someone who is so besotted with her turks that she has YET to butcher one--hey, I butchered some BBB turks so I know what I'm talking about okay? LOL). They do like to freerange and that of course cuts down tremendously on feed costs.
I keep my turks and chickens in separate pens but they're right next to each other so they "know" each other. That way if they accidentally run into each other when they get out it's not all puffed up chests and chicken stomping time. Blackhead may be an issue too but we haven't encountered that with our babies.
My plan: I am going to keep a breeding trio of my favorite breeds of turks, so far these are Bourbons and Midgets. I'll hatch some eggs, sell some eggs and let the girls raise some. The babies will be meat for the freezer, or sold to a very anxious bunch of customers just waiting for some turkey babies. Not thinking I'll make any money at this venture but I'm hoping that I might just about break even....

 

[phoenixmama]

I *think* our Bourbon Reds were 38 weeks old when we processed them. The largest male was 16 lbs.

 

[Pampered Hen]

Thanks all! I was hoping 6 months growing time would suffice, but it sounds like they take longer. I ordered 10 from Ideal. The earliest hatch date I got was May 5. Would I get a decent sized Turkey for Thanksgiving???

 

[rhoda_bruce]

I would feel they would be a decent size. If you would want to start earlier, why not find someone close to you with hatching eggs?