Where to buy turkey poults during winter?

[ALockhart]

Hi there,

I have been browsing turkey poults for a while (turkey house is almost built) and was looking to order some. However, I am seeing that all of the hatchery's say "sold out for 2014". Is there anywhere I can possibly order turkey poults this year? I plan to use them for 4-H and can't wait to buy them until May of next year (as most sites want me to).

I live in Indiana, but plan to keep the poults in my heated garage in a small kid pool covered with chicken wire until they are old enough to be outside and the weather is more favorable.

I knew that turkey's bred seasonally but I guess I assumed some hatchery somewhere had breeding pairs year round.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Twistedfeather]

What are you planning to use them for? County Fair auction (you'll normally buy those anywhere March or April depending on when county fair is.) You'll need to get Broad Breasted Bronze or White Poults for that.

If your just thinking of turkeys for conformation and such you'll want to get heritage turkeys. I do not suggest getting these guys from a hatchery because it's basically a gamble unless you know a reputable hatchery in which you can get them from. I was always told that it costs the same to feed a show bird than a regular non-show quality birds. I am sure there are poultry shows or swaps you can go to find breeders and I'm sure there's got to be a turkey breeder somewhere near you guys. I normally don't see young poults at this point in the season possibly because it's the show season and we're so close to thanksgiving that people normally breed their poults to make weight before thanksgiving. Good Luck finding your turkeys.

 

[ALockhart]

Thanks for such a helpful reply

I planned to buy and raise them for auction at county fair, which I believe is going to be in late June or early July this year.

I am unaware of a hatchery that is nearby. I have a friend who raises and shows chickens and she orders all of hers from online hatcheries.

How long do Broad-breasted take to develop to their prime maturity for auction?

 

[MeepBeep]

Contact Ideal Poultry by phone, they still have some turkey offerings but they are mostly taking waiting list orders this time of year, you might luck out and still be able to get some this year if someone else backs out of their orders of if they have extras...

 

[Twistedfeather]

This would depend when your county fair is. Mine was in late July/ Early June so I got them in March/April

 

[Twistedfeather]

Thanks for such a helpful reply

I planned to buy and raise them for auction at county fair, which I believe is going to be in late June or early July this year.

I am unaware of a hatchery that is nearby. I have a friend who raises and shows chickens and she orders all of hers from online hatcheries.

How long do Broad-breasted take to develop to their prime maturity for auction?

This would all depend on when your county fair is. Mine was in late July/ Early August and I got mine in March/April