New Artisan Gold Turkey Chick

[brandipals]

Hi. I just got a artisan gold turkey chick and I've never owned a turkey before. Does anyone have any tips on raising them? Like when can I introduce them to the chickens? When they're adults, do they go to the coop at night like the chickens do? Can I feed the same food the chicks eat and when do I switch to adult food? Sorry for so many questions. I just want to see him/her grow up healthy.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community!
Best wishes and Be well!

 

[drumstick diva]

I don't really know much about turkeys except that chickens can carry the "Black Head" disease to them - that comes from earthworms. You may want to check out the "Turkey" forum for more information on that.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.

Turkeys need a turkey feed which different than chick feed.
It's probably best if you do not house the turkey with your chickens ever.
Turkeys can carry diseases that will kill your chickens but not affect the turkeys.

 

[Riv-6]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! Best of luck with your new turkey!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[New Prepper]

Boy am I glad I joined I have been reading since I singed up this morning. The world of chickens and turkeys is fascinating.

 

[Bo Garrett]

Turkey poults need to be kept in a dry environment for several weeks until they are fully feathered, they do not survive well where they have to be on wet ground in if they get wet, so a covered pen off the ground with a wire floor or pine shavings would be best. They will need ample room as they get big. The poults need a 24-26% protein turkey starter for the first few weeks then you can reduce that down to an 18-20% chick starter medicated with amprolium to prevent coccidiosis. My recommendation is to never pen turkeys and chickens together because your turkeys will eventually develop blackhead disease, which is difficult to treat.
Once your poult begins to develop adult feathers, usually when they are about half grown, you can put them in a pen on the ground, prior to that they are pretty susceptible to weather and disease.
You'll enjoy raising turkeys and once you get the hang of it, it is a breeze!

Blessings,

Bo