The turkeys are coming!!

[RJSchaefer]

Next week!
And I'm not ready!!

I had planned on putting them in the old chicken coop but...idk. I don't want to waste wood on it. I know I have about 4 weeks of them in the brooding box (I hope!!). I kind of want a "turkey tractor", but I don't have a "tractor" - just a pick-up, minivan and riding lawnmower!

Ideas? Links? I'll have 8 of them. They're meat birds, so we're expecting to be slaughtering by October (at the latest) and don't need anything winter proof. Although judging by this year's weather, we could have a foot of snow in September...

 

[RJSchaefer]

Is it possible to just let them live outside, with some kind of enclosure to seek shelter? I'm imagining a large fenced in area with small teepees or just large dog houses. I'd probably give them a quarter of an acre if I went this route...

 

[Happy Camper]

Is it possible to just let them live outside, with some kind of enclosure to seek shelter? I'm imagining a large fenced in area with small teepees or just large dog houses. I'd probably give them a quarter of an acre if I went this route...

I keep poults in wire cages that grow with them until they are big enough to not be eaten by predators. Then I clip their wings and they free range in a fenced area. Turkeys can fly really well and will disappear if not confined or wings are clipped. They can get used to staying in an area but that does not mean they will never try escaping.
I have to penn up adult hens when they want to make a nest. Is the only time mine have tried to fly away.
I also have discouraged them to perch and mine sleep on the ground which gives me some peace of mind.
Turkeys that perch will fly to the highest available place to sleep... yes...the roof of your house included!