Question about keeping Broad Breasted turkey warm in extremely cold winter climate.

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Hi there! I actually own 2 turkeys and live up here in Alaska where we get months of sub zero temps. The coldest it got last winter was 65°f below zero. Turkeys are like little ovens I've discovered! My coop is outfitted with foam board inserts for the vents and door. I have several inches of fiber glass insulation in all walls ceiling and floor. Use straw for bedding it is very toasty! If possible I'd try to give him a buddy to snuggle up to. I soak my feed in warm water for a warm feed mash and also give warm treats through out there day. As far as water goes, I put a large tray of snow in there. Then, I just keep replenishing their water dish with hot water over and over. The snow is just for the times between waterings. As someone who lives off grid I've been able to maintain healthy happy even in this harsh environment! The best advice I can offer is that there's power in numbers. If possible, running heat is a great choice, I'm sorry I don't have any advice in that area. Beautiful bird though!!!
 
HalosHaven said:
Hello,

I'm thankful to have found this platform. I love learning about your chickens and using that information for my turkey.

If I understand correctly, I'm supposed to give a quick introduction.

I worked for a company that sells poultry and I rescued 7 months ago, I rescued a young Broad Breasted White turkey poult that had just come in on the truck and had been severely beaten, bleeding and gasping for breath. I had seen this many times, unfortunately, but THIS bird stole my heart. I am a vegetarian and have never eaten meat, but I felt that I just had to, with the help of God, try to give this little bird a chance at life. Fast forward 7 months, and "Halo" is the light of my life.

I have worked very hard to provide my bird with the best care possible and have learned a great deal from many sources.

One issue I am facing now is that I live in a climate that gets consistently -20F for up to 3 months at a time and often doesn't get above zero for days on end. Halo's coop is 12' long, and 5' wide, metal sided, plywood inside that and 2" foamboard on the ceiling, 3" foamboard on the sides and covered in heavy indoor vinyl composite material. The floor is a layer of plywood, followed by 2" of foamboard, followed by another layer of plywood. The bedding is a very thick layer of pine shavings and straw. There is also a roost-style box made that is elevated 4 inches off the ground on a platform and a layer of insulation on the sides of the box, except the front. The issue is, the person that cut the windows, cut them too far down. I wanted them at the top of the coop. He cut them halfway down on the end and one on the south-facing wall. They are 18" by 13" each. I currently have foamboard inserts to put in them, but I leave them uncovered because I keep a close eye on the humidity level in there. I cover them in burlap right now.

With our winter approaching, we had our first cold night, 20 degrees F. Halo's water froze. My question is, does anyone have any ideas on how to keep Halo safe this winter. I've insulated like crazy, it's not drafty, other than the window issue I explained. Has anyone tried heating a coop with an oil radiator heater? I'm so afraid of milkhouse heaters and any kind of space heater, won't do brooder lights and a simple light bulb just won't work. There is an option for electricity, which I am using for water. What can I do to ensure good ventilation without having to completely remodel those windows and have new ones cut right as winter is here? Or, is that the only way?

I would appreciate any advice, other than what other platforms have said about these "types" of birds. My bird gets wonderful care and this group seems like a great place to get the answers I am looking for. Thank you in advance for any tips. Have a great day!
Click to expand...
Welcome. Very nice introduction.
 

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