How to raise turkeys with chickens?
Raising turkeys and chickens together in a mixed flock is often discouraged due to health risks, primarily Blackhead disease, which chickens can carry asymptomatically but is often fatal to turkeys. Differences in size, behavior, and dietary needs also present challenges. Careful management is required if attempting it.
- Strict Separation (Recommended)5
Solution: House and range turkeys and chickens completely separately. Explanation: This is the safest approach to prevent the transmission of Blackhead disease via cecal worm eggs shed in chicken feces. Use different coops, separate runs, and avoid sharing ground. Notes: This eliminates the primary…
📌 biosecurity4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Separate coops, separate fenced runs
- Introduce Poults to Adult Chickens (High Risk)1
Solution: Brood poults separately and only introduce them to adult chickens once turkeys are older/larger (still risky). Explanation: Poults are most vulnerable. Some try introducing older turkeys to adult chickens, hoping the turkeys' size offers some protection from bullying. However, the…
📌 management (risky)4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Shared coop/run (after separate brooding)
- Ensure Ample Space2
Solution: If mixing (despite risks), provide significantly more space than required for single species. Explanation: Extra space can help reduce stress and negative interactions (bullying) between the species. Turkeys, especially toms, can injure chickens, and chickens might peck at young turkeys.…
📌 management (risky)4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Very large coop and run
- Separate Feeding Stations2
Solution: Provide separate feeding areas, potentially elevating turkey feeders. Explanation: Turkeys require higher protein feed, especially when young. Chickens should not eat high-protein turkey starter/grower. Elevating turkey feeders can prevent chickens from accessing them easily. Notes:…
📌 management (risky)4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ Multiple feeders, elevated stands for turkey feeders
- Monitor Interactions Closely2
Solution: Constantly supervise interactions, especially during introduction and if mixing species. Explanation: Be prepared to separate birds immediately if severe aggression occurs. Toms can seriously injure or kill chickens. Notes: Requires significant vigilance. The inherent risks, especially…
📌 management (risky)4/16/2025, 10:19:48 PM
🛠️ None (requires time/attention)