wierd feathers

[wesleyzhere]

can anyone tell me why my 5\6 week old baby turkeys have such rough looking feathers? i feed them 30% protien game chick starter. v they are kept in a 2 x 3 x 18 in tall brooder at 80 degrees. they seem ok other wise runnng around and play scratching at the bottom of cage. should i be worried?

 

[cavemanrich]

Not very sure what is going on,,, but my thoughts.
I would reduce heat in brooder to room temperature only. They looked well feathered now.
I would also try to give them larger brooder if possible.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Geena]

Their feathers are likely just ragged from being confined to an area that is way too small. It's time to acclimate them to their outdoor enclosure.

 

[wesleyzhere]

Thank you everybody. i am in process of fencing off a 20 by 20 foot area of the turkey. what kind of shelter should i build. the grown hen roost in a 6 x 5 x 8 foot that has a pitched roof but wire all around except for entryway. should i enclose 3 sides for the young ones. ? at least for a little while? thanks again wes

 

[cavemanrich]

You are where winter temps are mild,,,, but enclosing 3 sides would be good to keep wind and rain in control. You can just use light tarps for short time use.

 

[Geena]

Thank you everybody. i am in process of fencing off a 20 by 20 foot area of the turkey. what kind of shelter should i build. the grown hen roost in a 6 x 5 x 8 foot that has a pitched roof but wire all around except for entryway. should i enclose 3 sides for the young ones. ? at least for a little while? thanks again wes

Also, if you haven't raised them before, be aware that heritage turkeys can fly pretty well. They have quite easily gone over our 5 foot fence whenever they take a notion to.