Introducing Chickens to Turkeys

[Samntha]

We raised 3 Red Bourbon Turkeys (ended up all being Toms) and 2 polish chickens (ended up being roosters) together since they were a week old and they’re inseparable, they are 3 months old now. We just got a couple of 8 week old female polish chickens for our polish roosters because they’ve been mounting our turkeys.

What’s the best route for introduction? I know chickens usually have a pecking order.. will the turkeys peck them as well? Anyone with experience and advise would be appreciate! Attached are photos of the current flock.

 

[3KillerBs]

I have never raised turkeys, but they say that turkeys and chickens shouldn't be kept together because of Blackhead disease.

 

[aart]

We just got a couple of 8 week old female polish chickens for our polish roosters because they’ve been mounting our turkeys.

Thinking you may have to separate and/or cull a few of these birds.
So many males sets up a fight club scenario.
Not sure when turkeys sexually mature.... @R2elk ?

2 polish females is not enough for 2 males.

but they say that turkeys and chickens shouldn't be kept together because of Blackhead disease.

True...... if blackhead is present in the area.
@Samntha might want to ask your local ag services office to find out if blackhead is common in your area.

 

[Samntha]

Thinking you may have to separate and/or cull a few of these birds.
So many males sets up a fight club scenario.
Not sure when turkeys sexually mature.... @R2elk ?

2 polish females is not enough for 2 males.


True...... if blackhead is present in the area.
@Samntha might want to ask your local ag services office to find out if blackhead is common in your area.

We’ve decided to build a separate coop for the polish chickens while quarantining the females... still with 3 male turkeys you’re right we may need to get rid of two and bring in females. Will look into blackhead! So far the unsexed birds have all been males ! Being more careful going forward.