turkeys for new england winters?

[cowlady11]

I am looking to get some backyard turkeys, and was wondering if there were specific breeds to stay away from since I live in Mass. I don't want to end up buying warm-only climate birds and have them all drop dead come winter. thanks!

 

[sandspoultry]

I think they are all pretty hardy, there are members further north than you and in Canada and I haven't heard of any problems. It's much warmer here in NC but ours never go inside the houses, they all prefer to roost outside.

Steve in NC

 

[farmerlor]

I really don't think it's a problem with most breeds. I'm at 6800 feet in Colorado so we get some pretty harsh winds and cold at times and we had no problem with our turks. That's why we're enlarging the operation now.

 

[sandspoultry]

Quote:
We get alot of people asking that, what kind of temps are you talking there? I would assume it gets pretty chilly yes? and do you take any extra precautions with them?

Steve

 

[farmerlor]

It's actually milder here than it was in Iowa where I lived (and also had turkeys) but it gets into double digits below zero occasionally for a day or two. Wind is the worst problem so with the cold temp and the wind the wind chill is often well into double digits below zero. No precautions other than a well built coop to put them in at night.

 

[spook]

Interesting. Recently- well back in the fall, I had a poultry club member explain to me that its not good to keep your birds cooped up all winter inside. I find it also interesting for lor in Colorado to be fine with her birds as I imagine the sea level and Rockies cold would be harsher then us in Maine. Either way, I am begining to feel that if they are not kept heated or warm, then winter will not bother them. Its when we expect heated or warm weather birds to acclimate to the cold all at once (power outage) or moving.
Interesting question Cowlady and thanking Sands for this question.
I just questioned Sands on Maine winter and the Midget White's. They look interesting and Sands, I may have another person thinking about eggs too. We both need to do homework- more! Thanks guys!

 

[farmerlor]

Oh, we don't keep them cooped up all winter. They're out during the day unless it's just really nasty outside in which case they don't want to come out anyway. We just lock 'em up at night to keep them safe from critters and weather that comes in because the weather men never forecast for our area.

 

[sandspoultry]

Ours just tuck their heads under a wing and seem comfy. I've gone out after dark and they are nice and toasty warm.