keeping a few turkeys, questions!

[bock]

After doing a little breed research, I decided the Bourbon Red would be a good choice. I called the feed store we usually get our chicks from, but they will only have Bronze Breasted turkeys. I have heard that they are more aggressive than other breeds. Tractor Supply isn't getting any, so we are going to call the last feed store around here. I hope they have them! If they don't, would Bronze turkeys make okay pets?

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

I will give you my answers in below:

Quote:

1. Can turkeys free-range with ducks, geese, and chickens during the day?
(they would have their own pen at night, or they *could* stay all day in there)

We have had no issues with our mixed species flock being together. Sort of funny seeing turkeys and chickens on the roost together.

2. Can they eat Layena pellets as adults?

Yes. But consider the Flock manager from Purina. TSC usually carries it. It is designed for multi-species flocks.

3. Are turkeys aggressive to other birds or people?

If properly raised, turkeys can be very gentle. A turkey hen that is broody can have an attitude. But so can a broody hen, broody goose etc. Just raise them to be friendly and you should have no issues.

4. Would 2 toms fight?

If raised together it would be like two roosters raised together. There may some slight scuffles, but they should have a pecking order established from the brooder. Our old Buckeye was a bit ill recently so we isolated him for some vitamins etc. When we returned him to the breeding pen, the young boy made it clear it was now his pen and his hens. That lasted about 15 seconds when the young boy dropped his head in respect and FLED for his life! They are friends and get along great, but the younger no longer challenges the elder. All is peaceful.

5.What age can they go outside?

We always allow them to be fully feathered before allowing them outdoors with temps below about 65 or 70. We also keep the younger poults up when the weather is bad.

6. What is their rate of lay?

Varies on the variety, weather, environment, feed etc.

7. What is their brooder temperature supposed to be?

Just raise them with your chicks. I would start at 90-95 and drop about 5 degrees each week until they are fully feathered.

8. Do they eat gamebird starter when babies?

I would give them a game bird or turkey starter. Will not hurt your chicks to eat this either.

9. And probably my dumbest question, are baby turkeys called turkey poults?

As you can tell, we know NOTHING about turkeys. Links to good sights or some advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Yep, turkey poults! Check and see if your library has a copy of Raising Turkeys the Modern Way. They may also have other books on turkeys. Could not tell by your post if you are a youngster or an adult. If a youngtser, join a 4H club. They will help a lot. If an adult.....join a 4H club and volunteer! It will still help a lot!

Asking questions on BYC will definitely help a lot!​

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Quote:
Many feed stores order from Ideal Poultry Farms. Why not just order directly from them. you can choose when you want them. Their website is at

http://www.ideal-poultry.com/

 

[PatS]

Hi bock,

Our feed store often sells the BB turkeys, but we asked them to tack some heritage turkeys on to their order. Talk with the manager to see if they might be willing to do this. If not, maybe try another feed store. Someone will want your money.

 

[Dogfish]

1. Can turkeys free-range with ducks, geese, and chickens during the day?

Changing my answer today from the other day. It appears my TOM has now become the alpha male of our property. He gave our rooster a bit of a beat down, with the help of one hen turkey today. Quite interesting to see it all go down. All are alive, and the Roo, Mr. T., has a new respect for the big birds in the yard. I think his limp will go away soon.

 

[jasonm11]

Quote:
I have a chicken hen Sassy that like to challenge authority. She chanllenged both my roosters and today challenged my red bourbon hen Hanna. It is neat to see. Sassy by the way still is sassy but she stays away from Hanna now.

 

[PatS]

I went out to open the run door (the turkeys roost in the run) and the coop pop door (to let the chickens out) this morning. As I opened the pop door the hens joyously came out, followed by the rooster, who was chased back into the coop by a turkey hen. He was smart, he ran back in. A minute later the crack was tossed and everyone was happy in the yard. Every bird I have is momentarily distracted by food.