What Do I need to Know?

[Chickenlover720]

I am looking at getting a few turkeys this spring to raise for butchering around Thanksgiving. I plan on purchasing a few Broad Breasted as that's the only turkeys easily available to me. What are some things you guys would suggest before I get in too deep? Please share any advice or experience you have about getting turkey poults. here are a few specific questions that I have.
1. What should I feed the turkey poults?
2. When should I get them if I plan on butchering them for Thanksgiving?
3. How worried should I be about them getting diseases as I have read they are quite susceptible to many diseases?
4. Is a 27% protein feed suitable for the turkeys when they are ready for it and when should I start them on this feed?

As I said, please feel free to give any advice you may have. Thank you!

 

[R2elk]

I am looking at getting a few turkeys this spring to raise for butchering around Thanksgiving. I plan on purchasing a few Broad Breasted as that's the only turkeys easily available to me. What are some things you guys would suggest before I get in too deep? Please share any advice or experience you have about getting turkey poults. here are a few specific questions that I have.
1. What should I feed the turkey poults?
2. When should I get them if I plan on butchering them for Thanksgiving?
3. How worried should I be about them getting diseases as I have read they are quite susceptible to many diseases?
4. Is a 27% protein feed suitable for the turkeys when they are ready for it and when should I start them on this feed?

As I said, please feel free to give any advice you may have. Thank you!

1. Turkey poults should be fed a quality high protein turkey or gamebird starter for the first 6 weeks followed by a quality turkey grower for the next 6 weeks.

2. Depending on how big you want them to get, four to six months before the planned processing date.

3. Blackhead is the main disease to be concerned about. If blackhead is present in your area, do not keep the turkeys around chickens or on ground that the chickens have been on. If blackhead is not present they can be on the same ground as the chickens.

4. Turkey starter is usually 28% to 30% protein. A 27% protein could be fed starting with the poults. Adults will do fine on a quality 20% protein all flock feed or a person could continue feeding turkey grower or turkey finisher right up to processing. Some people like to finish their birds on corn.

 

[Chickenlover720]

1. Turkey poults should be fed a quality high protein turkey or gamebird starter for the first 6 weeks followed by a quality turkey grower for the next 6 weeks.

2. Depending on how big you want them to get, four to six months before the planned processing date.

3. Blackhead is the main disease to be concerned about. If blackhead is present in your area, do not keep the turkeys around chickens or on ground that the chickens have been on. If blackhead is not present they can be on the same ground as the chickens.

4. Turkey starter is usually 28% to 30% protein. A 27% protein could be fed starting with the poults. Adults will do fine on a quality 20% protein all flock feed or a person could continue feeding turkey grower or turkey finisher right up to processing. Some people like to finish their birds on corn.

Thank you so much for your input!
I don't know how to tell if blackhead is in my area. But to be safe I'll keep them away from my chickens. I guess I shouldn't free range then since my chickens have been all over. I was planning on having a good size run for the turkeys.

 

[R2elk]

Thank you so much for your input!
I don't know how to tell if blackhead is in my area. But to be safe I'll keep them away from my chickens. I guess I shouldn't free range then since my chickens have been all over. I was planning on having a good size run for the turkeys.

You can ask the local conservation officer and at any local feed stores. Chain feed stores are not likely to be real helpful. If there are any farm vets around you can also ask them or even give your state veterinarian a call.