Getting Started with Turkeys

Raising turkeys can be a rewarding and fun experience, whether you are a small-scale backyard farmer or a large-scale commercial producer. Turkeys are intelligent and social birds that can thrive in a variety of environments, making them a popular choice for many farmers.

There are several considerations you have to take into account when it comes to turkey breeding. Turkeys are relatively easy to care for, and with proper management and nutrition, they can be raised successfully in a variety of settings. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the steps involved in getting started with turkey breeding, including choosing a variety, setting up a suitable environment, and managing your flock.

Step 1: Choose a Variety

The first step in getting started with turkey breeding is to choose a variety that is well-suited to your goals and environment. There are many different varieties of turkeys available, and each has its own unique characteristics. Some common varieties include the Bronze, White, the Bourbon Red, and the Narragansett.

When choosing a variety, consider factors such as the size, their egg-laying capabilities, and their suitability for meat production. You should also consider the climate in which you will be raising the turkeys, as some varieties may be better suited to cold or hot weather.

Step 2: Set up a Suitable Environment

Once you have chosen a variety, the next step is to set up a suitable environment for your turkeys. Turkeys need a spacious, well-ventilated area to live in, with plenty of room to move around and stretch their wings. A typical turkey house should be at least 20 square feet per bird, with higher ceilings to allow for proper ventilation. It is also mandatory to have some perches for your turkeys to roost on. They should have a diameter of about 3-4 inches.

In addition to the turkey house, you will also need to provide your birds with access to an outdoor pen or run. This should be a secure, fenced-in area where the turkeys can get fresh air and exercise. The size of the pen will depend on the size of your flock and the amount of space you have available.

Step 3: Provide Adequate Nutrition

There are several different options for feeding turkeys, including commercial feeds, scratch grains, and foraging. Commercial feeds are formulated to provide turkeys with the nutrients that they need and are convenient and easy to use. They are available in both pellet and crumble form and can be fed to turkeys of all ages.

Scratch grains are a mixture of grains, such as corn, oats, and wheat, that can be fed to turkeys as a supplement to their regular diet. They can be fed free-choice or as a treat, but they should not make up the majority of a turkey's diet.

Foraging is another option for feeding turkeys, and it allows them to find a portion of their own food by scavenging for insects, worms, and other natural sources of nutrition. This can be especially beneficial for turkeys that are raised on pasture, as they have more opportunities to forage. However, it is important to note that turkeys will not be able to meet all of their nutritional needs through foraging alone, and they will still need to be supplemented with a commercial feed or scratch grains.

In addition to these feeding options, it is important to provide turkeys with access to clean water at all times. Water is essential for turkeys to maintain proper hydration and digestion, and it is especially important in hot weather or during times of increased physical activity.

Now that we have covered the different options for feeding turkeys, let's take a closer look at the nutrients that turkeys need in their diet. Turkeys require a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth and development.

Carbohydrates provide energy for turkeys and can be found in grains such as corn, oats, and wheat. Proteins are important for building and repairing tissues and are found in both plant and animal sources. Good sources of protein for turkeys include soybean meal, fish meal, and animal by-products.

Fats are an important source of energy for turkeys and also help to support healthy skin and feathers. Good sources of fat for turkeys include vegetable oils and animal fat.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for turkeys to maintain good health and support various bodily functions. They can be found in both commercial feeds and natural sources, such as greens and vegetables. Some important vitamins and minerals for turkeys include calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A.

It is important to provide turkeys with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs at each stage of their life. The specific nutrient requirements of turkeys will vary based on their age, size, and level of activity. For example, young turkeys, or poults, have different nutritional needs than adult turkeys, and laying hens have different needs than non-laying birds.

There are several ways to ensure that turkeys are getting the right balance of nutrients in their diet. One option is to use a commercial feed that is formulated for the specific needs of turkeys at each stage of their life. These feeds are typically balanced to provide the right mix of nutrients and are convenient and easy to use. Another option is to formulate your own feed using a feed calculator or guidelines from a reputable source.

Step 4: Manage Your Flock

Proper management is essential for the success of your turkey breeding operation. This includes tasks such as monitoring the health of your birds, cleaning and maintaining their living quarters.

It is important to regularly check your turkeys for signs of illness or injury, and to take prompt action if any issues are detected. This may include administering medications or treatments as needed, or seeking the advice of a veterinarian.

In addition to monitoring the health of your birds, you should also keep their living quarters clean and well-maintained. This includes regularly cleaning out the turkey house and outdoor pen, and providing fresh bedding as needed.

Finally, it is important to protect your turkeys from predators, such as dogs, foxes, and raccoons. This may involve installing fencing or other physical barriers, or using predator-deterrent devices such as motion-activated lights or alarms.