- Aug 12, 2013
- 17
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New to turkey raising, and I’m a little lost, but the birds seem to be thriving. I’ve got 3 poults that are about 8 weeks old—Eastern Wild, Narraganset/Bourbon Red, and a Royal Palm/Bourbon Red. The last two are half siblings and came from the same farm. They currently spend their days outside in their pen but still sleep in a dog crate indoors at night (with 1x4 perches but no heat lamp anymore).
My questions:
1.) I’m confident the royal palm cross is a male and the Nar cross is a female. The Eastern has been displaying since two weeks and has thick legs and square head, but a super tiny snood. We tell him size doesn’t matter. Safe to assume he’s a late-blooming male?
2.) The two cross breeds have a close bond and roost together, and they do their silly pretend courting act. Meanwhile, Eastern boy tucks his head under his wing and shows no interest in either of them. I’m worried about the males fighting come spring, but maybe Mr. TinySnood isn’t interested? He fully believes he’s a people and looks at them with disdain for being lowly turkeys.
3.) Seriously, when will they stop crying???? If they can’t see me, they peep like their hearts are breaking. Hello, predators, here we are.
4.) I live in WI. What’s the coldest winter temp they can endure in an uninsulated shelter during the winter? I’m totally cool with bringing them indoors if needed. I mean, they sleep in my bedroom right now.
5.) If Mr. TinySnood is displaying at my kids when he’s cruising around the living room, is that cause for concern? He’s never been aggressive toward us and really enjoys a good snuggle and a dust bath in my hair, but I don’t want him turning into a bully bird.
6.) How many mealworms are tooooooo many mealworms? Cuz these birds looooove them some worms! They eat game bird chow (just switched from the starter crumbles), but I’m a sucker for their cute puppy-like begging antics with the worms.
7.) These are strictly pets. How long can I expect them to live?
THANK YOU!!!
My questions:
1.) I’m confident the royal palm cross is a male and the Nar cross is a female. The Eastern has been displaying since two weeks and has thick legs and square head, but a super tiny snood. We tell him size doesn’t matter. Safe to assume he’s a late-blooming male?
2.) The two cross breeds have a close bond and roost together, and they do their silly pretend courting act. Meanwhile, Eastern boy tucks his head under his wing and shows no interest in either of them. I’m worried about the males fighting come spring, but maybe Mr. TinySnood isn’t interested? He fully believes he’s a people and looks at them with disdain for being lowly turkeys.
3.) Seriously, when will they stop crying???? If they can’t see me, they peep like their hearts are breaking. Hello, predators, here we are.
4.) I live in WI. What’s the coldest winter temp they can endure in an uninsulated shelter during the winter? I’m totally cool with bringing them indoors if needed. I mean, they sleep in my bedroom right now.
5.) If Mr. TinySnood is displaying at my kids when he’s cruising around the living room, is that cause for concern? He’s never been aggressive toward us and really enjoys a good snuggle and a dust bath in my hair, but I don’t want him turning into a bully bird.
6.) How many mealworms are tooooooo many mealworms? Cuz these birds looooove them some worms! They eat game bird chow (just switched from the starter crumbles), but I’m a sucker for their cute puppy-like begging antics with the worms.
7.) These are strictly pets. How long can I expect them to live?
THANK YOU!!!