Suggestions on a turkey breed for a newbie?

[Partyfowl]

Helllo,

I am getting ready to venture into turkeys

and was hopping for some advice on a breed? I would like a heritage breed and something that can forage well. Also, can I house them with my chicken or do I need to build a seperate pin?
Thank you.

 

[houndit]

Most heritage turkeys are all the same as far as temperament goes. They do not seem to differ like chickens do. I run ours with the chickens in the winter. They need a higher protein feed though, so I have to separate them in the spring for breeding.

 

[Blisschick]

Heritage breeds are very close to to the wild type turkeys, so they do very well on their own as far as foraging, breeding, and self-protection. Like houndit said, you will have to feed them a higher protein game bird feed, but as far as keeping them with chickens, you shouldn't have a problem. Mine free-range with what few loose chickens I have, and I generally don't have any problems.

 

[sandspoultry]

If you want to see some pics of the different varieties check our website, we raise 6 varieties.

Sharon

 

[SandyC]

I've been into turkeys for a couple of years now and have Royal Palms and Bourbon Reds.
They have all been sweet and the BR Tom is a BIG baby!

 

[Struttn1]

Got Royal Palms, bourbon Reds and Black Spanish and they are all cool. I used to raise Standard Bronze and they also are good birds. Stay away from the BB varieties if you are wanting to breed and raise as pets.

 

[beckymom3]

I had gorgeous poults from Porters (the best for heritage breed selection, great service, too) that were slaughtered by raccoons and dogs.

I had them in a yard, but they flew over the fence and roosted in the trees by the house. They were very attached to me and my boys. Housing is crucial! They need to have their wings clipped once they reach a certain age if you want them in a yard, or you need excellent predator control. We are going for electricity and clipping for this year's poults. I'm trying to get a cover for their yard, but if that proves too expensive I'm going to clip them.

Turkeys are AWESOME to have. They are gentle, talkative and very easy to train to come when you call/for feeding/etc. I just wish I'd taught mine to go to roost in the chicken coop!

Oh, and did I mention, turkey Toms are SEXY!

You will

over the pics and selection at Porter's. Check out the website: http://porterturkeys.com/