Turkey Talk for 2014

[BullChick]

Hey guys this upcoming spring I would like to get 3 or so poults to raise for Thanksgiving 2015 and was wondering if there was any advice or anything for a first time turkey raiser...thanks

Cover their bedding with paper towels for at least two weeks.
Never assume they are all eating and drinking unless you see it.
Don't get attached.
They get big (I had never seen a turkey before! It is a new experience with each growth spurt!)
Feed a high protein feed. 28-30% for at least eight weeks.

 

[chickadoodles]

Quote: If you want to raise a turkey for Thanksgiving 2015 you need to order a broad breasted turkey 5-6 months ahead of time as they grow very fast.

 

[chickenman956]

im interested in getting turkeys this 2014 season. we cant afford another coop and they would have to stay with our chickens is that ok or what should i do and what breed dose well in michigan weather and how many should i get i would only want hens

 

[TurnipTruck]

This the first picture I've been able to get of my breeding trio. As a new turkey guy, I hope to get some results come spring.
We started with poults and now a dose of patience and it's been worth every second.

 

[Pretty Chickens]

You could use sand or leaves or grass cuttings. I am using sand.

My turkey loves grass. I cut it wash it. I let it dry and he loves it.

 

[chickenman956]

hi you seem to know alot about turkeys what kind of turkeys should i get to keep with chickens and can they go with chickens

 

[BullChick]

hi you seem to know alot about turkeys what kind of turkeys should i get to keep with chickens and can they go with chickens

First thing to do is be sure Blackhead is not a problem in your area.
Next, it doesn't matter what kind of turkey you get. It will learn to live with the chickens, and shouldn't hurt them. I say shouldn't, because turkeys get pretty darn big and the chickens are small comparatively.
I spent a while looking up turkey breeds, and didn't see any that wouldn't survive in a climate like Michigan.

 

[casportpony]

Assume blackead is in your area or you could be in for a rude awakening. There is no way that any agency could possibly know unless necropsies were performed on all deceased poultry in your city.

Anyone thinking about raising turkeys with chickens should read this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/804570/coping-with-blackhead

-Kathy

 

[TattooedMama]

Hen or tom??

Btw this is my turkey named Duck. Lol

Looks like a hen to me =)

 

[TattooedMama]

im interested in getting turkeys this 2014 season. we cant afford another coop and they would have to stay with our chickens is that ok or what should i do and what breed dose well in michigan weather and how many should i get i would only want hens

If you are getting babies, you will need to get several as they are generally sold as straight-run only. A few weeks older and you are still guessing sex; you can only guarantee hens if you get grown birds 6+months. I recommend buying twice as many birds as hens you want and then sell who turns out to be a Tom at a later date once you confirm the sex. You were already given some info on Blackhead and you should find out if its in your area. You can always ask around your local feed store. Mine keeps chicks next to poults in their store so thats a pretty big hint that we have no blackhead here.