Rescued a turkey and need help

[branston]

I rescued a Bourbon Red tom turkey a few days ago and really don't know much about keeping turkeys. I have 40 chickens that he seems to like but I lock him up in seperate housing at night. He's absolutely adorable! Very friendly and we are hoping to find him a girlfriend asap as he seems like a lonely soul. He's a year old and I live in Chesapeake, Virginia if anyone has a turkey hen I can buy? Anyway, a couple of questions........what do you feed your turkeys? I've been giving him cracked corn and start and grow? Do Turkeys like to roost like chickens? If so, what measurement would the roost need to be?(the part that he stands on) and how high do they like to roost? Any other advice or info would be greatly appreciated. I have ordered the Storey's Gyuide to raising Turkeys but just wondered if you guys could advise me in the meantime. many thanks

 

[SeramaChick]

Do a search on this section of this forum for the info you need. Like "turkey roost" "turkey feed"... In a nutshell, turkeys need higher protein content food (26% or more) than chickens. Feed stores have a turkey crumble, and various brands carry turkey feed. They like to roost as high as possible. I would say 6" high, on a thick branch to support their weight. As for keeping your turkey with the chickens, blackhead is a disease that chickens can pass to turkeys that they themselves are immune to. Check your local agricultural area to see if this is a problem where you reside. To find turkey breeders near you, try the section of the forum that's regarding location: Where I am Where Are You? You should find some Virginia folks there.

 

[branston]

Thanks so much for replying. You've been a great help!