Turkey Talk for 2014

[BullChick]

Quote:

Just woke up to 5 new little poults in the hatcher! I've hatched 9 so far, & other than a few non fertile eggs in the beginning, its been 100% hatch rate. 8 more under my hen now due the 25th. But now I'm out of turkey eggs!

You are clearly adicted to hatching these cuties!! SOrry I don't have a remedy for that. lol

Remedy suggests that there is a problem. I see no problem!

Quote: I will be getting my five BR Thursday!

 

[BullChick]

Thank you for the understanding, guys.

Yesterday I put the BBW outside while I cleaned their brooder, and did a bunch of cleaning around the property. It went up to 72*. I have seen that I am not supposed to let them outside, especially on the ground for 2-3 months (though mostly two months). Aside from the coccidiosis fear, I don't know why?
So, I am asking for clarification. At what temperature can the poults go outside? They are 4 weeks today/tomorrow. I know they will be okay today (79*!!) but I am more wondering about the lows. At five weeks (next week), can they handle the lows being in the upper 30's?

 

[Sydney Acres]

fox just got one of my nargansett hens on the nest and crushed all 12 eggs

Wildflocks, I'm so sorry. It's so hard to protect broodies from foxes. They're so vulnerable, you almost have to build a big cage over them wherever they nest. What a horrible thing to find in the morning.

 

[backwoodsfarmer]

When I bought my BBB poults the feed store guys told me to just feed them non medicated chick starter. It's only 18% protein. Is this high enough protein for turkey's ?

 

[SilkieSensation]

When I bought my BBB poults the feed store guys told me to just feed them non medicated chick starter. It's only 18% protein. Is this high enough protein for turkey's ?

You can use it for the broad breasted for the first couple weeks to slow their growth & allow stronger leg development...BUT...I would not leave them on it very long. Get them up to 22-26% for better growth rate.

 

[Sydney Acres]

When I bought my BBB poults the feed store guys told me to just feed them non medicated chick starter. It's only 18% protein. Is this high enough protein for turkey's ?

The broad-breasted birds are a special situation. Most people recommend feeding the heritage birds 22-30% protein during the first 8 weeks, then decreasing it down to 20-24% until 14-18 weeks, then the recommendations are all over the board. But the BB birds grow SOOOO fast and SOOOO big that you are more likely to have problems with the high protein. Keeping their protein levels at a more moderate level will keep their growth rate at a more reasonable level, so you're less likely to get leg problems and heart problems prior to slaughter age. If I personally were to grow out a BBB, I would feed it somewhere between 18-22% protein the first 6 weeks, then 16-20% thereafter, depending on my desired slaughter date, and how the bird was growing. But everyone feeds a little different, as there are hundreds of ways to manage these birds.

 

[backwoodsfarmer]

The broad-breasted birds are a special situation.  Most people recommend feeding the heritage birds 22-30% protein during the first 8 weeks, then decreasing it down to 20-24% until 14-18 weeks, then the recommendations are all over the board.  But the BB birds grow SOOOO fast and SOOOO big that you are more likely to have problems with the high protein.  Keeping their protein levels at a more moderate level will keep their growth rate at a more reasonable level, so you're less likely to get leg problems and heart problems prior to slaughter age.  If I personally were to grow out a BBB, I would feed it somewhere between 18-22% protein the first 6 weeks, then 16-20% thereafter, depending on my desired slaughter date, and how the bird was growing.  But everyone feeds a little different, as there are hundreds of ways to manage these birds.

Thanks for the help you guys.

 

[wild flocks]

Quote: fox got through a 750$ HUGE fence i let Nargansetts free range in dug a hole right under

thing is the foxes never touch the Eastern Wilds in the next pen over

 

[TurkenItUp209]

Thank you for the great reply! Half way there to day 28!

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Really????

Quote: The disease runs its course for about 2-3 years, then reason sets in and you are able to choose a direction: pick 1-2 breeds and focus on them. LOL