Backyard turkeys

Overview of Raising Backyard Turkeys for Meat

Raising turkeys in your backyard for meat can be a rewarding experience, providing a source of high-quality protein. It differs from raising chickens in several ways, primarily due to the turkeys' larger size, different social behaviors, and specific dietary needs. Success requires understanding their requirements from poults (young turkeys) to maturity.

Investment and General Requirements

• Initial Cost: Poults, brooder setup (heat lamp, bedding, feeder, waterer), coop/shelter materials, fencing, ongoing feed costs.
• Space: Turkeys need significantly more space than chickens, both indoors and outdoors. A common recommendation is at least 20-25 square feet of outdoor space per bird and 6-10 square feet of indoor roosting space.
• Shelter: A secure, dry, and draft-free coop or shelter is essential for protection from weather and predators. It should have adequate ventilation and roosting bars.
• Fencing: Robust fencing (at least 4-5 feet high) is needed to contain turkeys and protect them from predators like coyotes, foxes, dogs, and raccoons.
• Time Commitment: Daily feeding, watering, cleaning, and health checks are required.

How to Raise Backyard Turkeys

1. Starting with Poults: Poults need a brooder kept at around 95°F (35°C) for the first week, gradually decreasing the temperature by 5°F each week until they are feathered (around 6-8 weeks). Keep the brooder clean and dry.
2. Transitioning Outdoors: Once fully feathered and the weather is mild, turkeys can be moved to their outdoor enclosure and coop. Ensure they have access to shelter.
3. Growth: Provide appropriate feed for their growth stage (starter, grower, finisher). Ensure constant access to fresh water.
4. Processing: Meat turkeys typically reach market weight (depending on breed) between 16-22 weeks.

Feeding and Care

• Feed: Turkeys require a high-protein diet, especially when young. Use a specific turkey starter feed (28% protein), then transition to grower (20-22% protein) and finisher feeds (16-18% protein). They also enjoy foraging for insects and greens if allowed to range.
• Water: Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Turkeys drink a lot, especially in warm weather.
• Health: Monitor for signs of illness (lethargy, ruffled feathers, coughing, abnormal droppings). Common issues include Blackhead disease, coccidiosis, and respiratory infections. Biosecurity (keeping things clean, limiting visitors) is crucial.

Benefits vs. Chickens

• Meat Yield: Turkeys provide a much larger quantity of meat per bird.
• Foraging: They can be excellent foragers, consuming pests and greens.
• Unique Experience: Raising turkeys offers a different experience compared to chickens.
• Challenges: Turkeys are generally more susceptible to certain diseases (like Blackhead), require more space, and can be more prone to social stress if overcrowded.

Special & Climate Requirements

• Social Needs: Turkeys are social but can be prone to pecking or bullying if stressed, overcrowded, or lacking stimulation. Provide ample space and enrichment.
• Climate: Turkeys are relatively hardy but need protection from extreme cold, heat, and wet conditions. Ensure good ventilation in summer and draft-free shelter in winter. They are generally adaptable to various climates found across the US, including Minnesota, provided proper shelter is available.
• Space: As mentioned, ample space is non-negotiable for their well-being and to prevent issues like feather-picking.
• Indoor Keeping: Turkeys cannot be kept indoors permanently like house pets. They need outdoor access for foraging, dust bathing, and exercise. The coop is primarily for night roosting and weather protection.
• Fencing: Yes, turkeys can and should be fenced to ensure their safety and prevent them from wandering off. A secure fence is a necessity.