Some beginner question...

[sydney13]

I plan on ordering 2 bb turkeys next spring along with some cornishX chickens from ideal. I was wondering if there is any difference between white broad breasted and bronze broad breasted other than feather color?
I know that it's not recommended to raise turkeys with chickens but what about if they are free range in a very sanitary environment. I was hoping to raise the turkey poults with the meat chicks under a broody chicken. When the turkeys get older they would free range with the other chickens with plenty of room to roam. Does this sound safe enough or too risky due to disease transfer?
Obviously I don't want only one turkey but I also would prefer to raise no more than 2. Would I be better off ordering 3 poults incase one died or just getting 2 and keeping fingers crossed they both survive the first few weeks? I guess what I'm asking is under good conditions could I make a fair assumption that two poults would make it through the first stages?
Thanks

 

[Arielle]

I have some experience, but i'm not an expert, so I will give you what I know for info.

I never have just 2, always 3-4 just in case something happens.

The blackhead disease you are concerned about is from the soil. Either your soil has it or not. Your local extension service will know. Sanitation will not prevent the disease if the organism is in the soil. If you have it, just keep the turkeys and chickens separated = turkeys are not to be on the same soil where the chickens have been.

If you are planning on the broad breasted types mine don't walk very far. Too big and heavy. While I do encourage exercise, they prefer less activity. THey were more active when young, and as they put on meat the activity decreases.( My Bourbon red poults race around and fly everywhere.) THe cornish x chickens I have no person experience with but have read a zillion posts. THey are also a bird that doesn't move much once it puts on weight.

One of the down sides of birds that eat huge amounts of food and don't move very far from housing results in an accummulation of poo and the grass dies out as well when penned in the same area the entire time.

Just my experience-- hope this helps. GL

 

[blackbelt]

Personally here on the homestead I have the bronze breed, they are not free-range, for the most part. I would order more than one i suggest 4-6 that way you have motre than you need in case you lose some. I do have information about turkeys on my site if you choose to take a peak.

 

[rfwombat]

I don't believe it's a good idea to try turkey poults with meaties under a chicken. The turkey poults need a little more heat than the meat birds and need a little more babying to get them to thrive. And even if you don't currently have blackhead in your soil, the meat birds can bring it onto your property. I never had a problem until I mixed the meat bird and turkey flocks. A week after the flocks were mixed a turkey got sick and another started showing signs soon after. I medicated with cayenne and separated the birds again and everyone recovered. But i wouldn't chance already fragile poults with meat birds. The meaties are just too messy.

 

[Renee']

Some beginner answers.....

I plan on ordering 2 bb turkeys next spring along with some cornishX chickens from ideal. Remember that they get huge quickly so you'll probably want to wait until late spring.

I was wondering if there is any difference between white broad breasted and bronze broad breasted other than feather color? I can't answer this one.

I know that it's not recommended to raise turkeys with chickens but what about if they are free range in a very sanitary environment. Sorry to burst your bubble but there is no such thing as a "very sanitary" free range environment. Free range is free range. I read on here that poults have very weak immune systems and to wait several months before putting them out in the dirt. My first batch was almost four months old and my second batch was 2-3 months old before they went outside in the dirt. Both batches did well, no losses. You should call your local ag department and ask about the volume of blackhead that's reported in your county.

I was hoping to raise the turkey poults with the meat chicks under a broody chicken. After a few weeks your Cornish won't need a hen and the poults will need the warmth for quite a while. The cornish may provide extra warmth for your poults though...

When the turkeys get older they would free range with the other chickens with plenty of room to roam. Does this sound safe enough or too risky due to disease transfer? It should be fine, all of mine range together without incident. Again, check with the ag department regarding the volume of reports on turkey to chicken diseases.

Obviously I don't want only one turkey but I also would prefer to raise no more than 2. Would I be better off ordering 3 poults incase one died or just getting 2 and keeping fingers crossed they both survive the first few weeks? Yes, 3 would probably be better. You can always sell the extra on Craig's list or put it in the freezer for Christmas and or Easter.

I guess what I'm asking is under good conditions could I make a fair assumption that two poults would make it through the first stages? Everyone has different results, you just have to take all of the feedback that you get on here, weigh to pros and cons then place your order!

Good luck to you. I was a bit edgy about my first poults but they turned out just fine. This year is my second batch and they are doing well too.