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How much space do backyard turkeys need?
Providing adequate space is critical for turkey health, well-being, and preventing behavioral problems like feather picking and aggression. Overcrowding leads to stress, disease spread, and poor growth. Understanding space requirements for both coop and outdoor run is essential.
📅 Created: 4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
- Minimum Coop Space per Turkey5
- Solution: Provide at least 6-10 square feet of indoor coop space per adult turkey.
- Explanation: This space allows turkeys to roost comfortably, move around without excessive crowding, and access feeders/waterers inside the coop. More space is always better, especially in colder climates where they spend more time indoors.
- Notes: Ensure adequate ventilation within the coop regardless of size.
📌 diy 🛠️ Measuring tape, coop structure4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Minimum Outdoor Run Space per Turkey5
- Solution: Allocate a minimum of 20-25 square feet of outdoor run space per turkey.
- Explanation: This allows space for walking, dust bathing, and some foraging. For more active foraging and pasture-raised systems, significantly more space (e.g., 75-100+ sq ft per bird or rotational grazing) is beneficial.
- Notes: Ensure the run is securely fenced.
📌 diy 🛠️ Measuring tape, fencing materials4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Space for Poults (Brooder)4
- Solution: Start poults with about 1-2 square feet per bird in the brooder for the first few weeks.
- Explanation: Poults grow quickly. While they start small, they need increasing space as they age. Be prepared to expand the brooder area or move them to larger quarters sooner if needed.
- Notes: Overcrowding in the brooder can lead to pecking and health issues.
📌 diy 🛠️ Brooder container/pen, measuring tape4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Consider Vertical Space (Roosts)4
- Solution: Include sturdy roosting bars inside the coop.
- Explanation: Turkeys naturally prefer to roost off the ground at night. Providing roosts utilizes vertical space and keeps them off damp bedding. Allow about 12-18 inches of roost space per bird.
- Notes: Roosts should be strong enough to support adult turkey weight (2x4 lumber is common).
📌 diy 🛠️ Lumber (e.g., 2x4s), saw, screws/nails4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Adjust Space for Breed Type4
- Solution: Provide more space for larger breeds and active foragers.
- Explanation: Broad Breasted varieties might tolerate slightly less space if managed carefully, but heritage breeds that are more active and forage more will benefit greatly from larger runs or pasture access.
- Notes: Always err on the side of providing more space than the minimum.
📌 planning 🛠️ None4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
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