Raising BBW or BBB as pets?

[LilyLeghorn]

Hello,

I am interested in raising turkey poults and a person near me is selling three poults, 2 toms and 1 hen, but they are broad-breasted and I am really only looking to raise turkeys as pets and not to eat.

Is it possible to raise broad-breasted turkeys as pets? I know they have poor health and often short life-spans, but if I restrict feed and give plenty of care, would this be a viable option?

Thank you!

 

[ivan3]

If you'd already acquired them and then learned what variety they were? Maybe (been there, done that ). As it is you have yet to commit so, go with the heritage.

 

[LilyLeghorn]

Thank you! I will most likely not be purchasing them.

I'd like to go with heritage, but there aren't any poults for sale where I live

I guess I'll keep checking Craigslist and keep my fingers crossed.

 

[ivan3]

You might have some luck in one of the CA threads, here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you

Good luck!

 

[neverbdone]

Where are you in Ca? I have white holland poults available. I'm in Lake Isabella outside Bakersfield. If you are raising broad breasted, I feed chicken feed and they do much better without the high protein.

 

[LilyLeghorn]

I'm in Orange County, so about 3-4 hours away
Thank you for your offer though! I'll keep the chicken feed tip in mind if I do decide to go with the broad-breasted

 

[neverbdone]

I go to redondo beach every other week should you change your mind.