Hi everyone. I am hoping to get some advice/input about keeping a couple of turkeys for flock protection. We currently have 10 chicks (4 weeks old) that we are planning to move to their outside pen in the next few weeks. We do not have any roos (at least we think). Our pen is relatively large (approx. 72 ft X 60 ft) and is fenced in. The pen is against our woodline, so some of it is open and grassy and some is wooded. We are a bit concerned about protection from hawks and were considering getting a couple of turkeys to hopefully deter birds of prey, but I have a few of questions about this.
1. Is our pen big enough to keep a couple of turkeys in with the chickens?
2. Do we need a tom, or will a couple of hens keep fine with the chickens?
3. If we get a tom, what issues are there with him trying to breed the hens?
4. If we decide to go this route, should we get turkey poults soon so they can be integrated at a young age with the chicks?
5. Any other animals that work well for protection that are not insanely loud (finicky neighbors 6 acres away ) ? We can't get more dogs, and my current 2 think chickens are snacks.
Any other helpful info would be much appreciated!!!
I want to note that I am aware of blackhead disease and realize this could pose a risk to any turkeys we get. I am planning to contact the local extension to see if it prevalent our area (SW Virginia). Also, I know turkeys will not guarantee protection. I figure, even if they are useless for protection we'll still enjoy having them around
1. Is our pen big enough to keep a couple of turkeys in with the chickens?
2. Do we need a tom, or will a couple of hens keep fine with the chickens?
3. If we get a tom, what issues are there with him trying to breed the hens?
4. If we decide to go this route, should we get turkey poults soon so they can be integrated at a young age with the chicks?
5. Any other animals that work well for protection that are not insanely loud (finicky neighbors 6 acres away ) ? We can't get more dogs, and my current 2 think chickens are snacks.
Any other helpful info would be much appreciated!!!
I want to note that I am aware of blackhead disease and realize this could pose a risk to any turkeys we get. I am planning to contact the local extension to see if it prevalent our area (SW Virginia). Also, I know turkeys will not guarantee protection. I figure, even if they are useless for protection we'll still enjoy having them around