Reasons to get turkeys

[marvun22]

I sort of want turkeys. Can I have some reasons to get them? They need to be valid to my wife, who is the main obstacle. Other questions being: How many hens do I need per tom? How much space do they need? Do they get along with chickens? Ducks? Geese? Where is the best place to get them? What breed is the best for me (I would like a calmer and nicer type)?

 

[1cheepchick]

I know how you feel. I was on the "fence" too. I waited a while to broach the subject but it never came up. So I was in the feed store one day and there were these last four poults almost two weeks old and nobody to love them. So I bought them. Not going to say its the best thing I have ever done but at least I had a brooder all cleaned out and ready for them when I got home. Downside is they peep if you leave the room. I am talking ultrasound peep. Homing peep. Possible incoming peep. And they seem to poop more than my chicks did, are messier, and peckish. Upside they are so personable. They look at you sideways like they are imprinting your every feature. They will jump on your hand in a heartbeat and want to be cuddled. They set well in your hoody providing you don't mind an errant poop now and again. So no you don't need turkeys but they sure are fun to have around.

 

[junkprospector]

my wife was pretty anti-turkey. She thought it was a horrible idea actually. In my view - if we were already getting a bunch of chickens, why not get a turkey. I didn't have much idea about raising them, but we got 1 with our chick order in march. The turkey is MUCH more interesting that the chickens. If you get a meat bird (BBB is what i have and he is very nice and calm and not very flighty) ytou could argue that (1) you're going to eat turkey at thanksgiving so (2) you might as well give a turkey a fantastic life up till then and (3) know what is going into the food you are going to eat.

After having the turkey now for 3 months, my wife thinks it was a good idea and is glad we got him... she's onboard for a new round of turkeys next year.

 

[retlaw]

Its easier to ask for forgiveness then permission.

 

[KrisH]

You won't really understand until you actually get them.
Imagine a big friendly dog with feathers!
They follow you around the yard wanting to help with everything, and when they can't help you they will untie your shoes. Do not go out in sandals or shorts especially if you have freckled legs or tattoos. We warn friends the first time, then they remember themselves after they visit.!

RobertH