This year I picked up four turkeys at the local elevator, two white, two bronze. I brooded them in the kitchen in a lage plastic tub for about a week and then in the garage for another three, then I turned them out in a fenced area with a little coop I built. They seem to be thriving, Now here is the kicker. I just read some turkey literature that says you can't raise them with chickens. Is that true? I have a cartload of chickens
you cannot raise turkeys with the chickens. There is a disease the turkeys could get called blackhead or something like that. People do raise them with chickens thiough.
I have turkeys with chickens. If the turkeys are being raised for food I will separate them. The turkeys (if they are bbw and bbb) will eat all the time. I do have a few heritage turkeys running with the laying hens. I know the risk and keep watch over them. So far I have not had any trouble. All the birds are free range and the pasture is well kept. The yard that their kept in is just as important. A nice clean yard will do wonders to the health of your birds. Also plenty of room won't hurt. There are people who never mix the two and others that do. Maybe someone else will give their opinion and experiences.
ive had my turkeys with my chickens their whole lives(They are about 4 years old) with no problem at all. what is black head and what are the symptoms?
I have turkeys with chickens too. Check with your local county extension agency and see if there is blackhead in your area. It doesn't bother chickens but it can kill a turkey fast. http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/disproto.htm
Im reading this and freaking out! My turkeys and chicks have been raised together with out any problems. How will i tell?
You can raise them together if size is not a problem and if blackhead is not in your area. Your country extension office should be able to tel you if it is a problem or not in your area. It is not a problem here, so my chickens and turkeys share the same ground. If the turkeys aren't dying on you, you're probably fine.