Let's talk Turkey

[LilCtryGal]

It's my 2nd year raising Turkey's for holiday dinner's. I have a few questions and hope someone could help me out.

1. Last year we waited 20 wks before processing. I had them on a Starter, 20% then switched to 22% I believe about 8 wks. Towards September I gave them cracked corn because I thought they were getting quite large. They ended up ranging from 16 to 28 pounds dressed. How do I stretch it out to process at a later date (closer to Thanksgiving so I don't have to freeze) feed wise?

2. Considering keeping a Tom and Hen for egg production so I have babies in Spring and won't have to purchase them from a hatchery. I have BB and White right now, can I keep one of each or do they need to be the same breed?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[ansky225]

If I may add another question. (In the future in a few years) If we would like a turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas, how old should the bird be then? When do you get the bird to raise? Thanks

 

[neverbdone]

I do broad breasted by 4 months or so. If you wait longer the hens are 30 and toms 40 pounds. My hollands 6 months or older.

 

[holm25]

we got four bourbon red royal palm cross turkeys how much do you think they will weigh

 

[neverbdone]

Just starting with bourbon reds so not sure yet. Look up the mature bird weight for any specific breed and that should give you an idea. So far I find my birds are full grown at about 6 months.