Turkeys

[Turkeyschickensducksohmy]

So, amongst chickens and ducks, this year ive added turkeys to my ever growing farm population. Im planning on selling them for thanksgiving. But we are keeping one male and one female for breeding. I have read online that their mating season isnt until april so i may have to supplement my stock by adding a few more poults next year and i was wondering if intergrating new turkeys with the existing adults would end in a catastrophe or if they "adopt" other young into their flock

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Depends on the adults. Some chase and harass the young ones, generally the hens, and some either ignore them or look after them, generally the toms.

 

[Bo Garrett]

I would not introduce them until they are almost fully grown, unlike geese who will adopt young readily, turkeys usually will not especially if the young do not resemble their own in size and color.

Blessings,

Bo

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've always began integrating poults at around 8 weeks. Most times by 12 weeks they are freely mingling with the adults. My set up is large, so that probably helps.

 

[Turkeyschickensducksohmy]

Thank you for the info, breeding them is going to be a different challenge i am sure. But ill start a different thread when i am ready for that one.

Love and light

Mike