Raising turkeys chicks from day 1

[purecountrychicken]

Im getting 12 turkey chicks this weekend and I need to know if they are like chickens,,do they need a heat lamp. Do I just do the same thing I do for chickens?

Thanks

 

[burntmuch]

I cant answer your questions. Im gonna be doing a few turkeys this summer, So Im gonna tagalong here.

 

[backyardmenagerie]

Yep, same as you would do for chickens, except that you'll need to feed them a higher protein food, like gamebird starter. Heat lamp, brooder, food and water, some shavings in the bottom, and you're all set.

 

[MissTurkey4]

Some people claim turkeys are hard to get them to eat. I don't have that problem if I spinkle the food (28-30% protein, gamebird/turkey starter) all over the bottom of the brooder. Do not use shaving unless you cover it with paper towels while you teach them to eat. They will also need more care in dipping there beaks often in sugar water. I like to add gatorade to the water and put something shinny in the water like foil or marbles. Some also0 feed egg yolk. Mine never ate it, but I here some like it. Turkeys are a little harder to raise than chickens but if you keep a close eye on them you will do fine. Turkey do not have a immune system until they are about 12 weeks old. Many people wait that long before putting them outside. I like to wait as long as I can before they touch dirt. Mine first go outside on cement patio.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

deleted

 

[TheBoSoxBabeGoesCountry]

Thank you Steve that artical helped some. I too am starting to raise turkey poults and needed a bit of info as I just got them this morning in the mail!!

 

[kuntrygirl]

Just reference Steve's article and you'll have no problems.

Excellend info Steve.