Turkey's as pets and food

[Ryoohkey]

I'm thinking go getting a few turkeys this year for pets and food I've read that broad breast make the best for food but not pets would it be good to get 3 broad breast and a couple of other breeds looks like most people like the blue slake breed. I want at least 2 for pets to keep pesky cats away from my chickens any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank You

 

[retlaw]

buy a bunch of heritage the first year and save a few hand picked ones from the axe as your pets/breeders.
then next year your pets will give your eggs that you eat right then or wait 9 months and feed the family.

 

[conny63malies]

Bourbon red are great dual purpose, they are nice and meat and also make good looking pets. I ordered 10 straight run from Ideal and keep 1 male and 2-3 females . Then next year I sell most of their poults and only keep about 5-10 for meat and replacements as necessary.

 

[jdolder18]

conny63malies

So, I have been wanting to get some turkeys for a while now and I want to house them with my chickens. I have read about the black head disease, is that really true? Do you know if the disease is common in Indiana by any chance? I don't really know what to do about it. We're thinking about raising some for meat and some to breed. Are there any good places online to order them without ordering them is such bulk?

Sorry for all the questions!
Thanks!

 

[juststruttin]

conny63malies

So, I have been wanting to get some turkeys for a while now and I want to house them with my chickens. I have read about the black head disease, is that really true? Do you know if the disease is common in Indiana by any chance? I don't really know what to do about it. We're thinking about raising some for meat and some to breed. Are there any good places online to order them without ordering them is such bulk?

Sorry for all the questions!
Thanks!

I am wondering the same thing. I have steered clear of turkeys for this reason.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Bourbon Reds all the way!

 

[Arielle]

conny63malies

So, I have been wanting to get some turkeys for a while now and I want to house them with my chickens. I have read about the black head disease, is that really true? Do you know if the disease is common in Indiana by any chance? I don't really know what to do about it. We're thinking about raising some for meat and some to breed. Are there any good places online to order them without ordering them is such bulk?

Sorry for all the questions!
Thanks!

Call you county extension and ask. Look in the phone book for the number.

Make an informed decision-- no right or wrong , just keep them housed separately if you have a problem in the area.

 

[conny63malies]

I will keep mine separate from the chickens. Not taking any chances. I'll build them a hoop coop and sep. run. I never owned turkeys before but did my research on breeds and care. I wanted nice looking meaty birds which let me to the bourbons. The fact that they are named after a Ky county helped too of course.

 

[Ryoohkey]

thanks for the input and i looked up a few pic of those bourbon red turkeys and omg they are beautiful

 

[chicken pickin]

Bourbon Reds all the way!

X2

I LOVE my Bourbons!