Raising Turkeys!

[Stormer04]

Hey I am going to hatch (or buy as poults) turkeys. I will be raising them so I can have Turkish for thanksgiving dinner. I will be raising enough for family and some to sell to friends. Does anyone have any sort of advice or experience they would share with me before I strike out on this adventure.?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

We had a broad breasted White we got in late march and by the time we Butchered him in September he dressed out at about 65+ pounds minus his wings. I wish I was joking. How that poor bird was still walking at all amazes me, but it was obvious it was painful for him. We didn't know that they would get huge if you kept full bowls of food in their home 24/7 though as it was our first meat turkey

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I'd imagine you could clip their wings. I would get them four or five months before you want to butcher them

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You're right. I was thinking of meat birds for 4H. We have to have them before May and the show is the beginning of August. We just have to be very careful feeding them.

 

[Molpet]

Can always butcher into parts and freeze raw in portions.....I loved doing that!

That's what I do also
Even the 6 month, 12 lb heritage
Because I use about 6 lb of poultry a week

 

[freeheartfarms]

will be following this! we just picked up 4 poults from our local co-op yesterday. already have chickens and ducks- turkeys are extra exciting for some reason!

 

[Molpet]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/turkeys-sticky-topics-index.1174188/

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Are you getting heritage or meat turkeys?

 

[Stormer04]

Are you getting heritage or meat turkeys?

Probably both

 

[JacinLarkwell]

For meat breeds, make sure to watch how much they eat. You don't want to have them be over finished.

Heritage won't have the same problem, but they won't get as big over all, and take longer to get to a nice butchering size. Heritage may also decide they like to roost at night, so heads up