New turkeys + 5 wk chicks= ?

[RealHarvestMoon]

This is our first year doing a flock of chickens. We have 2 Buff Orps, 4 Amber-link (TSC hybrid?), and 2 silver seabrights. At this point, they're about 5 1/2 weeks old and getting ready to move out into the yard once the rain stops. Yesterday I recieved 2 black spanish turkey poults that are only about 5 days old now. I was wondering at what age I would be able to move them in with the chickens. Right now I really feel the size difference is really too large and I don't want them to be hurt or picked on.

 

[Mtn Margie]

The answer to that is not so simple. It depends on where you live and your set-up. There is a disease called Blackhead that turkeys can get from chickens and it will kill them but not the chickens. Other places can have all of the poultry together. You will have to call your Ag Ext office and do your homework. Turkey poults are also very susceptible to cocci and other viruses and they like a higher protein feed. So I guess it will depend on your long term goals for the turkeys.