Turkey free ranging?

[Kosta2476]

Hello:

I am interested in raising turkeys for meat. I would like to free range them. I was wondering if someone could give me some guidance on how I could make a turkey mobile to fit about 15 turkeys? Perhaps its just a movable coop? Also could you give me some tips on raising them. What else should I feed them? Chicken layer mix? Cracked corn? When it comes down time to butcher them, do you use killing cones? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

 

[Kiki]

Hi there!
I do not know much about turkeys but I do know that there is such a thing as turkey feed sold.
If turkey feed isn't available in your area you are going to need to look for something higher in protein than a layer feed.
Feel free to check this feed comparison chart out:


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1upDVFXEQPK8PUIF6Sj3Bt5CUQfX1PlTEhg799sDT-qM/edit?usp=sharing

I pulled a few "turkey" feeds here for you to look at:

http://coyotecreekfarms.org/mill/feed-products/turkey-starter/
http://coyotecreekfarms.org/mill/feed-products/turkey-i/
https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/products/28-turkey-starter-non-gmo-crumble
http://www.m-ginc.com/mg-poultry-feeds

 

[R2elk]

Hello:

I am interested in raising turkeys for meat. I would like to free range them. I was wondering if someone could give me some guidance on how I could make a turkey mobile to fit about 15 turkeys? Perhaps its just a movable coop? Also could you give me some tips on raising them. What else should I feed them? Chicken layer mix? Cracked corn? When it comes down time to butcher them, do you use killing cones? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Recommended for the first 6 weeks is 28% protein turkey or gamebird starter. It contains the needed protein and higher levels of lysine, methionine and niacin. The next step is 24% protein turkey grower for about the same length of time. Free ranging is very helpful for preventing them from growing too fast and in my opinion improves the flavor.

I have used turkey finisher for the last 6 weeks.

If you are raising them for meat, there is never a time when layer feed is appropriate. You can at some point switch them to a good all flock feed (usually a 20% protein). Some people like to "finish" their meat birds with corn as the corn will give good flavor and a deep yellow fat.

You can find many threads on how people raise and process their meat turkeys in the Meat Birds ETC forum.

 

[Pork Pie]

Welcome to BYC - you have some great links and advice already so I'll just say hello!


All the best

Pork Pie

 

[Kosta2476]

Hi there!
I do not know much about turkeys but I do know that there is such a thing as turkey feed sold.
If turkey feed isn't available in your area you are going to need to look for something higher in protein than a layer feed.
Feel free to check this feed comparison chart out:


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1upDVFXEQPK8PUIF6Sj3Bt5CUQfX1PlTEhg799sDT-qM/edit?usp=sharing

I pulled a few "turkey" feeds here for you to look at:

http://coyotecreekfarms.org/mill/feed-products/turkey-starter/
http://coyotecreekfarms.org/mill/feed-products/turkey-i/
https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/products/28-turkey-starter-non-gmo-crumble
http://www.m-ginc.com/mg-poultry-feeds

Thanks so much!

I never knew there was different feed.

 

[Kosta2476]

Recommended for the first 6 weeks is 28% protein turkey or gamebird starter. It contains the needed protein and higher levels of lysine, methionine and niacin. The next step is 24% protein turkey grower for about the same length of time. Free ranging is very helpful for preventing them from growing too fast and in my opinion improves the flavor.

I have used turkey finisher for the last 6 weeks.

If you are raising them for meat, there is never a time when layer feed is appropriate. You can at some point switch them to a good all flock feed (usually a 20% protein). Some people like to "finish" their meat birds with corn as the corn will give good flavor and a deep yellow fat.

You can find many threads on how people raise and process their meat turkeys in the Meat Birds ETC forum.

Awesome!!!

Thanks so much for the great info.

 

[Kosta2476]

Welcome to BYC - you have some great links and advice already so I'll just say hello!


All the best

Pork Pie

HI there! Great to be part of this forum.