Thinking of getting a turkey

[ShaggysGirl]

Hi Guys,
We currently have 42 chickens and we are thinking of adding in a turkey or two.
So I am trying to glean what ever turkey info I can.
I feed multi flock right now so I know turkeys can eat that too.
Can and do the turkeys live in the same coop and or run?
What is different in the care of a turkey than in the care of a chicken?
Do they normally get along well?
Thanks
Rhonda

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Turkey poults need a higher protein feed than chicks do for the first couple months, we use a 28% game bird starter for the first 3 months then a 20% start n grow until 5 or 6 months. After that they go out with the rest of the birds and they do fine together.

Steve in NC

 

[pdpatch]

Q: I feed multi flock right now so I know turkeys can eat that too.
A: As Steve said they need a higher protein feed.

Q:Can and do the turkeys live in the same coop and or run?
A: Most AG services say no, but many people do. The main concern is Black Head desiese which can jump from Chickens to Turkeys.
The chicken will survive but most likely a turkey will not. But blackhead must be in your area first.
Usually it's in Warmer moist climates.

Q: What is different in the care of a turkey than in the care of a chicken?
A: For the about the first 9 weeks they need to be kept dry and warm. The turkeys immune system takes that long to develop.
After that they can go outside.

Q: Do they normally get along well?
A: That depends on the individual birds, we have about 2 Red Sex links that try to pick on the turkeys.
Once the turkeys have had enough the go after the red sex links. Then things are back to normal.

 

[ShaggysGirl]

Thanks good info!

 

[ccrawf]

I have had turkeys for 2 years now, and I house them with my chickens. This year, I have (had) 19 turkeys and 50 chickens. Raised all but 8 of the chickens from chicks this year. They all live in the same coop, on the roosts and I have had no problems. The learned young to go into the coop.
OK, the turkeys started flying a while back and some would go up on the roof, and it would take an hour or so to get them down. Clipped one wing and no more problems.
Had 2 Broad Breasted bronze, one weighed 24 pounds one weighed 26 pounds. The Bourbon Red weighed 10 pounds, and yes, I was disappointed. But he tasted good. Better than the Bronze? Not sure.
The only issue I had, and it was a costly issue, is when they are chicks, they have to be kept separate. The big ones will starve the little ones. I feed wild game starter when they were little and now I have them all on layer pellets. They all seem to do just fine on it.

 

[cheraboo]

Our turkeys and chickens got along for the most part. The chickens would go wherever while the turkeys tended to travel in a group. They seemed more timid than most of our chickens. Our Favorelle roo, Joe, and Blackie, our Silkie pullet, really didn't care for them and would peck at them and chase them away. It's pretty funny to see a 15+ pound bird running from a little old silkie

. Not as funny as watching my kids trying to catch the turkeys, but pretty darn close

 

[sovia]

I am so glad someone started this thread. I have had chickens for awhile now, but so want a turkey! This may sound silly, but I have to ask. Can a turkey fit through the same pophole as the chickens?

I have seen some really big turkeys and am unsure. I have one of those automatic door openers.

 

[natrgatr]

The pop door on my coop is about 16 inches tall and my Bourbon Reds have no trouble going in and out. They share the same coop with my chickens at night and free range together all day.

My tom seems to keep the more rambunctious roos in line also.

 

[chickenannie]

This has great info... click here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=92240