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

[HalosHaven]

Hello and Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Glad that you have joined this fun and poultry loving community.

Thank you, I appreciate you all. Have a wonderful day!

 

[Ak65]

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!!!

 

[Ak65]

We live in Fairbanks and kept two Toms and two hens along with 10 chickens through the winter. I too was surprised at how warm they stay. We also have an insulated Coop with a covered outside run. And I can't believe how they like the snow!

 

[HalosHaven]

Thank you for your reply. This was a tough winter here where I live. Halo did amazing. His coop is well insulated and I keep deep, clean bedding and used lots of straw. He had a heated water bowl. When it was -30 below F, I used a cozy coop, mounted from a beam on the ceiling. It didn't heat the coop per se, but just took the edge off. We relied on window inserts, good ventilation, no drafts and good wind blocks from the winds off of Lake Superior. He grew wonderful feathers. He's molting now and honestly, the heat is much worse than the cold ever was. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. Have a great day!