Just bought 2 young males.... HELP!

[Chikkenoverload]

We have been raising chickens for a few months, and on Sunday my DH decided to buy 2 young turkey males. They were hatched together and the friend he bought them from wouldnt sell them seperate. We named them Jake and Elwood because they dance together in sync. I have so many questions about them and cant fing much info online about them. Right now we have them in our chicken coop due to all of my chickens being killed last week. We gave them corn and water, yet they havnt eaten much nor have they drank a whole lot. My children pick grass and feed it to them. here are my questions at the moment.....
What should they be eating?
Can i put my rooster back in his coop with them? (they were raised with chickens)
Why does their neck thing turn white?
What is that thing called?
What are the proper terms for turkeys? (ex: chickens have crowns on their heads)
How much water should they be drinking?
What are things i should look for that could be signs of a problem?
or signs that they are healthy?
How can i tell their age?
Whats the difference in Jake, Tom, and whatnot?
Why do they "dance"?
When do they start "drumming"?
I feel so lost but he got them because hes always wanted to raise his own turkeys. These are more pets then to eat but may become dinner eventually. He works long night hours which leaves me to their care during the day and I have no clue what im doing. I figure its similar to raising chickens, but dont want to assume. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Scottingitup]

We have been raising chickens for a few months, and on Sunday my DH decided to buy 2 young turkey males. They were hatched together and the friend he bought them from wouldnt sell them seperate. We named them Jake and Elwood because they dance together in sync. I have so many questions about them and cant fing much info online about them. Right now we have them in our chicken coop due to all of my chickens being killed last week. We gave them corn and water, yet they havnt eaten much nor have they drank a whole lot. My children pick grass and feed it to them. here are my questions at the moment.....
What should they be eating?
0-12 weeks a game bird starter (24% min, 30% protein recommended)
12 weeks + 20% (i use purina flock raiser)

Can i put my rooster back in his coop with them? (they were raised with chickens)
Do a gradual introduction, should be fine. Only my turkey hens mess with my rooster.
Why does their neck thing turn white?
A turkeys carnuncles (sp - bottom of neck) and snood (on top of beak) are their equivalent of a mood ring. Red/blue is sexy or agressive. White is normal state (not pale!) This is one of the areas you want to watch for sickness any oddities should be investigated - may take you a while to learn what is odd.
What is that thing called?
see answer above.
What are the proper terms for turkeys? (ex: chickens have crowns on their heads)
Baby: poult
Immature Hen: Jenny
Immature Tom: Jake
How much water should they be drinking?
1/2 cup - 1 cup is average for a full grown turkey. Weather can be a factor in this as well as feed. Wild turkeys can actually get enough water from dew and the greens they eat - they don't need a source of standing water to survive. (Wilds only! please water your domestic - this is just an interesting fact)
What are things i should look for that could be signs of a problem?
Similar to chickens, yellow or blood in droppings. No longer roosting, lethergy. Any kind of discharge from eyes or mouth should be watched. Turkeys die very easily from any form of resperatory infection. Tylan is usually the goto for this - can be purchased at stores like tractor supply.

or signs that they are healthy?
How can i tell their age?
Do they have a beard? if so they are at least 10 months old. You can somewhat judge by length of beard after that, but it is hair and can be torn/fall out and regrow. Some hens will actually have a small beard as well. Size of the spurs can also be an age indicator.

Whats the difference in Jake, Tom, and whatnot?
Jakes won't be interested in mating usually - fighting and establishing a pecking order is priority here. Toms will show off "display" constantly and always want to mate - fights do happen but less frequently. Heritage breed turkeys mature at 10-14 months of age. They have to go through at least one seasonal change to mature.

Why do they "dance"?
To attract the girls.

When do they start "drumming"?
older jakes and toms will do it. Really depends on the bird. Mine won't usually drum at me anymore but will at my dogs.

I feel so lost but he got them because hes always wanted to raise his own turkeys. These are more pets then to eat but may become dinner eventually. He works long night hours which leaves me to their care during the day and I have no clue what im doing. I figure its similar to raising chickens, but dont want to assume. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Check and see if blackhead is an issue in your area - if so you will want to separate the turkeys from the chickens. Blackhead is deadly to turkeys.

That is about the extent of what I can remember right now. Good luck and have fun with your new boys!

 

[Chikkenoverload]

wow thank you so much!!!! they do have beards, about 3 maybe 4 inches long. one has started to try to drum. lol. the other hasnt. Thank you its very helpful!!!