New to Turkeys - QUESTIONS!!

[BackyardBirds720]

Hello!

I am looking to get some more Buff Orpington chickens... but I am also looking into getting some Turkeys, too.

I think I will be ordering from Cackle Hatchery; I am not sure what breed to get (a "beginners type" would be preferrable). I would like once that can breed, are good foragers, go broody, and are good mothers.

Any and all help is much appreciated!

Can chickens and turkeys live together? Are they okay around horses?

Thank You,
BB720

 

[chichick]

I wouldn't know about horses, but chickens and turkeys together can be bad. Chickens can carry a parisite that's called blackhead. Chickens can't get it, but turkeys can. Some people don't have a problem with it, but some people do. About the breed... Bourban Reds are good. My Eastern Wild Turkeys are great, but you have to have a permit.

 

[Duckles]

I agree, I have bourbon reds from Cackle and I

them...

 

[BackyardBirds720]

Quote:
In that case Turkeys probably aren't for me... they are so beautiful and stately though!

 

[chichick]

Blackhead is curable. Plus you may have no problem too.

 

[yinepu]

to be on the safe side call your agricultural extension office and ask if there has been any incidence of blackhead in your area

 

[MissTurkey4]

Most of us raise turkeys with chickens without ever having a problem.

 

[Arielle]

THe most important thing you can do is make that phone call to find out about the black head; not all areas have the disease; you just need to know ahead to avoid transfer from chicken to turkey. Why treat a disease when you can prevent it. IMHO.

I have poults and adult turkeys and chickens; the whole family has enjoyed having poultry. GL

 

[mkhenderson17]

So this goes along with this post...I have a turkey poult that is smaller than my week old bantam chicks. Do you think it would be ok to raise with my bantam chicks just until he adjusts to captivity?
I know he could get black head but would he do worse by himself?

 

[clintwilson59]

Quote:
if he is wild then its best to keep it your own little secret (feds are really strict on actual wild turkeys)