UPDATED W/PICS!!!PG.3 Thinking about getting a turkey - QUESTIONS!

[19hhbelgian]

Ok... I saw this ad on craigslist, and it is for 1 little turkey poult?(Is that the correct word to be used?) It is a baby, but they don't know if it's a boy or a girl.

?1: is it ok to have only 1 turkey or do they need more of their kind?
?2: If it turns out to be a tom, will it become mean since it would be the only turkey on our farm?
?3: Are all turkey's winter hardy? Sorry if that's a dumb question

?4: They are asking $15 (seems a bit much since they don't even know what breed it is) for the turkey... I don't know what I should pay for a turkey poult... So, what SHOULD I pay?

Here's the link to the ad... http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/grd/1323593492.html

Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

[paulinaydern]

My first turkey was accidently sent to a pet store with a shipment of chicks. The manager didn't want the turkey so she offered it to me for .99

I had only seen turkeys in the freezer section so I had no idea it would grow much bigger than the birds we buy for Thanksgiving dinner.

Our turkey grew up with our Bullmastiff. They were inseparable, best friends. I don't believe Patrick thought he was a turkey, but actually a feathery dog as he never thought to fly or roost on anything. He ate with Rosie out of the dog dish and was very tame.

I have to think that I was lucky that they bonded as alone the turkey might not have been so happy. It's probably the same with any animal, they do better with company.

If you choose to buy that poult, good luck, I hope it works out for you as well as my lone turkey/dog did for me.

 

[ScoobyRoo]

You really need more than one turkey. I paid $11 per poult-- for a straight run of Bourbon reds at a feed store. I think $15 is too high.

 

[19hhbelgian]

OMG!!! That boy is HUGE!!!! I've been to other places that have had turkeys, and they haven't been nearly that big! You don't live near a power plant or anything do you

I don't know if I will or not. We have a bunch of chickens that (s)he would grow up with, but if they won't do as companions, then I probably won't. I figured I'd get more answers, but not so far

 

[NCIndiaBlue]

Quote:
I don't know the answer to most of your questions, but I can tell you that I love my turkey's! I hatched them in May and they are very sweet and follow me everywhere I walk. They get along well with my chickens and guineas. I think they are winter hardy, as long as they have shelter.

I don't think $15.00 is too much, it might be a few dollars higher than most people ask, but not a terribly bad price. You could always offer a lower price.

 

[19hhbelgian]

At what age can you start to tell if a turkey is a tom or not?

 

[Zahboo]

Turkeys should live in flocks. They can live alone but will be VERY annoying. They are already little shadows if they imprint, but if you're all they got, you'll never have peace outside. It shouldn't be mean just because it's a tom. I think all turkeys are winter hardy. People sell poults here for 20-30, so 15 is good.

 

[Zahboo]

Quote:
Probably about 4 months. I'm not positive though.

 

[luvmychickas]

I have one turkey with my flock of chickens. When I bought her at a few days old, I bought her with a couple of chicks. She is more independent than the chickens, but I honestly believe she thinks she is a chicken LOL. She is super friendly, has to be in my face all the time. Hangs out with the large flock of chickens, then flies in with the silkies and spends time with them LOL. I really thought she would be lonely being the only turkey, but she bonded with us and the other chickens. She definately is boss with them. If you want only one turkey, I would get a couple chicks around the same age for he/she to bond with. It worked with me

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

?1: is it ok to have only 1 turkey or do they need more of their kind?
you should probably have a couple - but s/he could live with your hens until you get more. however, be advised that many folks do not raise turks and chickens together. turks can die from blackhead - which is not fatal to chickens...

?2: If it turns out to be a tom, will it become mean since it would be the only turkey on our farm?
wow that depends - if you socialize him he could be just fine. my big tom hates me and tries to peck my eyes out. he loves my husband tho

?3: Are all turkey's winter hardy? Sorry if that's a dumb question big_smile
yes! especially this looks like it could be a bourbon red - which do just fine in the cold weather


?4: They are asking $15 (seems a bit much since they don't even know what breed it is) for the turkey... I don't know what I should pay for a turkey poult... So, what SHOULD I pay?

nope thats actually a pretty good price

get tons of turkeys! they are superfun!