What kind of shelter do turkeys require?

Install roosting bars using 2x4 lumber placed wide-side up, mounted 2-4 feet off the ground. Allow 15-18 inches of linear roosting space per adult turkey. Secure bars with heavy-duty brackets or notched supports rated for 80+ pounds per bar, since multiple adult turkeys will roost together.

Build or retrofit a coop with solid walls, a lockable door, and 1/2-inch hardware cloth over all windows and vents. Standard chicken wire is too weak — raccoons, foxes, and weasels can tear through it. Install two-step latches on every door, since raccoons can open simple hook latches.

Construct the coop with a leak-proof roof, sealed wall joints, and draft barriers at floor level. Lay 4-6 inches of absorbent bedding such as pine shavings or chopped straw, and replace it when damp. Block wind at bird height while allowing airflow above through upper vents.

Install vents near the roofline on at least two opposing walls, positioned above roosting height. Cover all openings with 1/2-inch hardware cloth. Aim for a total vent area of roughly 1 square foot per 10 square feet of floor space to ensure sufficient air exchange year-round.

Provide 8-10 square feet of indoor floor space per adult turkey. For a flock of six birds, plan a minimum coop footprint of 48-60 square feet. Account for space taken by feeders, waterers, and roosting structures when measuring.

Install a pop door measuring at least 16 inches wide by 24 inches tall to accommodate adult turkeys, including broad-breasted breeds. Mount it at floor level or add a ramp with cleats spaced every 4-6 inches for traction. Fit the door with a secure latch that locks at night.