Turkey and chicken

[jaydennmomo]

I have a question about turkeys living with chickens can they? Or do u have to put them in a separate coop???Im getting baby chicks and 2 turkeys for my grandson.So i wanna make sure they do well.I was told they could not live together

 

[ninabeast]

I'm currently researching this very thing. The standard advice seems to be not to do it, because chickens carry a protazoa that is harmless to them, but deadly to turkeys, causing a condition called blackhead. The broad-breasted meat breeds seem to be more fragile than the heritage breeds.

I may not have all my facts perfectly right there, but that's the idea. That said, there ARE people who do it, and I'm going to try to raise chicks and poults together this spring. Check on youtube for turkeys and chickens, and you will find some coexisting very peacefully. There are, however, risks...

 

[jaydennmomo]

Thank u so much.I think I will also try it.If it dont work well I will make another coop.

 

[chickenzoo]

Raising them together seems to be fine as chicks and poults. When they are adults is when problems often arise..... True about Blackhead, it is a risk. I keep Fishzole on hand incase there is a problem so I can treat right away.

 

[SIMZ]

What problems come up when they're adults? Are you referring to diseases or just general getting along. I'm also hoping to keep a few midget whites with my chickens this year if possible.

Thanks!

 

[chickenzoo]

Both .....blackhead can be a problem if the chickens carry it. Also turkeys are bigger and bossier then chickens. My turkeys boss my emus around..... Turkey hens can be down right mean, toms can try and breed the chickens...... Crushing them. Some get along fine, some do for awhile but then you end up with a dead chicken. It is just safer to house them seperate. I free range mine together but the chickens have room to get away from them.

 

[nickie]

Most people recommend calling your county extensions office to find out if blackhead is a problem in your area. I did that and was told most people who keep them together are small backyarders who don't tend to report outbreaks to them. She asked around and said basically with the numbers I'm thinking of I shouldn't have a problem, but no guarantee. Good sanitation and litter management.

 

[laurelsh]

Does fishzole cure blackhead in turkeys? Where can I find info about that?

I also plan to get a pair of Royal Palms and want to keep with my chickens. I could set up a separate roosting spot for them, but would prefer for them to roost in the chicken coop. What about feed too? They eat different feed right, so how can you feed 2 different feeds for chickens & turkeys in same space? Anyone who's keeping RPs & chickens together, please fill me in. thanks!

 

[ivan3]

laurelsh wrote: Does fishzole cure blackhead in turkeys? Where can I find info about that?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/591070/3-month-old-turkey-with-blackhead

(should answer most questions/ignore formatting in some posts - some didn't migrate well to the new platform).