Keeping Turkeys

WendyQLD · **Posted:** Fri Jul 14, 2006 5:04 pm

Hi,

I have a million questions but I'll just start with a few!

1. I have 2 unused chook pens (just got rid of my chooks). Now I
know chooks and turkeys don't mix but am I able to put turkeys
into these pens now that I don't have chooks or do I need to let
the pens rest for a period, and if so, how long?

2. Do I need to rake out and clean all existing poo in the pens or
is it okay just to break down and then put turkeys in?

3. What is the best type of turkey to get for a complete novice
and first timer? (I know my husband wants the big ones - I
don't know what they are called.

4. Do turkeys cause much harm to the yard like chooks do?

Okay that is all for now so I don't take up too much of anyone's time.

Thanks for any replies

Peacocks Australia · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2002 9:14 am **Posts:** 310755

Hi WendyQld, Welcome to the "Forum" we can help with the first two questions. You should wait a min period of 21 days, within this period you should rake out ALL old scraps, poo, feathers, ect... also remove any perches, branches, boxes, (do not put back - burn if possible) ect... You should then use a 50/50 disinfectant on the entire pen paying special attention to the shelter area & ground. Food & water containers must be disinfected also along with any other containers or items in the pen.

Tip: Worm any and all new birds BEFORE you put them in the pen.

Tip: With Turkey's use "Emtryl Soluble" as a Preventative for Histomoniasis (Blackheads)

Hope all goes well!

Thanks
Peacocks Australia :lol:

Mrpeewee · **Posted:** Sat Aug 12, 2006 10:29 am

Hi Wendy,
I agree with everything PA said, I also recommend getting an easy breed such as the good old bronze, they are a large breed and they are a hardy breed! Turkeys can scratch about like chooks do, they do not scrath half as much though, but their poo is 12 times the size!! Anymore questions ask away!

Luca · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:31 pm

I too am fairly new to turkeys. I have a bronze male and white female. The female sat and hatched a clutch even though she wasn't as committed as a broody chook. However none of the chicks survived they would either disappear or we found them dead. We saw the male peck at the last chick and removed it but it died. Would the male have killed them all?

Luca

Jeff Trescott · **Posted:** Sun Sep 09, 2007 9:50 am

I don't know for sure about Turkeys but we had a rooster that killed every chick that hatched, so I would think some Male Turkeys would be the same? can you take the male away when the female is about to hatch the eggs? that way you will know if he is doing it.

Jeff

Luca · **Posted:** Mon Sep 10, 2007 1:25 pm

The male gets agitated when he's alone (I only have the two) and gobbles all day...very annoying. I am thinking of building an incubator to hatch them.

Jeff Trescott · **Posted:** Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:15 pm

Thats a good idea or you could use a Chook to hatch them i read about that in a poultry magazine from the UK I think, will try to find it and let you know.

Jeff

Luca · **Posted:** Tue Sep 11, 2007 2:23 pm

thanks Jeff.

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