Turkey Newbie!

[redneck farmer]

Males usually have a larger, longer snod.  They will also go completely bald on the head and neck area whereas the females will lose only about 75% of their head feathers.  Males are generally larger by comparison and have larger, more prominent carbuncles.  It will still be several weeks or more before you can unmistakably differentiate between the two sexes.  Oh, and males will usually start to 'strut' soon, but watch out cuz I had one once that started strutting and he turned out to be a she...lol!!!

My turkey hen gobbled and strutted hahahahah

 

[AprilTwilights]

Thanks, everyone! so, basically, at this age they're just too young to reliably sex at this point.

They make the sweetest little noises!

Also, my four year old (human, haha) didn't like the name Meringue. So, Meringue is now Fig.

Mariah

 

[jtaylor7221]

Hi they look like my Rare White Bourbon Red Turkey Chicks...

 

[AprilTwilights]

Hi they look like my Rare White Bourbon Red Turkey Chicks...

Wow, yeah they do! Is there a way to tell the difference between rare white bourbon and BBWs?

 

[jtaylor7221]

I've seen pics of BBW's and it still looks like my Rare Bourbon Red..But Maybe Somebody Can Tell Us..BTW your baby looks beautiful
I guess you can google it and see but I did and still looks the same..
But I'm new to raising turkeys so I'm no
Expert...

 

[kywest]

I'm no breed expert - I raise midget whites - but if your birds turn out to be BBWs, and you intend to make long term pets out of them, please look into feed restriction/exercise needs on the turkey section. These birds must be maintained on strict diet to prevent physical problems. They are designed to grow quickly to butcher weight, and keeping them past that puts a strain on their bodies. Heritage birds make better "pets" ;-)

 

[AprilTwilights]

Thank you, kywest! That is very helpful and I will look into it.

 

[duluthralphie]

I am not an expert and have only owned turkeys for 4 months. However, that looks a lot like my young turkeys which are around 7 weeks old. They are blue slate.

I attached some pictures, and apologize for the quality. The Young Turkeys did not like standing still for the camera.





BTW the unidentified chickens in the picture are just that. I have no idea what breed they are either. I bought a mixed heavy bird package.

 

[AprilTwilights]

So...do I still want to restrict feed if they aren't of the broad-breasted variety?

Are there ANY websites devoted to turkeys and their care, etc? Why do chickens get all the love?

 

[AprilTwilights]

Here are some updated pictures of Fig and Maple.

The chickens are not entirely sure what to make of them.