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What kind of shelter do turkeys require?
Proper shelter is vital for protecting turkeys from harsh weather (sun, rain, snow, wind) and predators, especially at night. The shelter, often called a coop, needs to meet specific requirements for safety and comfort. Lack of adequate shelter can lead to stress, illness, and losses.
📅 Created: 4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
- Secure, Predator-Proof Structure5
- Solution: Build or use a coop that is fully enclosed and lockable at night.
- Explanation: Predators like raccoons, foxes, weasels, and coyotes are threats. Use sturdy materials, hardware cloth (1/2 inch mesh) over windows/vents (not chicken wire, which predators can tear), and secure latches on doors.
- Notes: Check for and seal any potential entry gaps.
📌 diy 🛠️ Lumber, siding, roofing, hardware cloth, screws/nails, latches4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Dry and Draft-Free Environment5
- Solution: Ensure the coop has a leak-proof roof and walls that block drafts, especially at floor level.
- Explanation: Turkeys can tolerate cold if dry, but drafts and dampness significantly increase their susceptibility to respiratory illnesses. Bedding (like pine shavings) helps absorb moisture.
- Notes: Dampness can also contribute to frostbite in winter.
📌 diy 🛠️ Coop structure, roofing materials, siding, bedding4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Adequate Ventilation5
- Solution: Incorporate vents near the coop's roofline, away from roosting areas.
- Explanation: Ventilation is crucial year-round to remove moisture and ammonia buildup from droppings, preventing respiratory problems. Vents should allow air exchange without creating direct drafts on the birds.
- Notes: Ensure vents are covered with hardware cloth to prevent predator entry.
📌 diy 🛠️ Hardware cloth, materials for vent openings (e.g., soffit vents)4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Sturdy Roosting Bars4
- Solution: Install strong, wide roosting bars inside the coop.
- Explanation: Turkeys prefer to roost off the ground. Use sturdy lumber (like 2x4s, wide side up or slightly rounded) placed 2-4 feet off the ground. Allow 12-18 inches of linear space per bird.
- Notes: Ensure bars are securely fastened and can hold the weight of multiple adult turkeys.
📌 diy 🛠️ Lumber (e.g., 2x4s), saw, screws/nails4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Sufficient Floor Space4
- Solution: Provide 6-10 square feet of floor space per adult bird inside the coop.
- Explanation: This allows turkeys to move around comfortably, access food/water if kept inside, and avoid excessive crowding, which reduces stress and disease risk.
- Notes: This is separate from the outdoor run space.
📌 planning 🛠️ Measuring tape during design/build4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
solution - Access Door for Birds4
- Solution: Include a door large enough for adult turkeys to easily enter and exit.
- Explanation: The 'pop door' should be appropriately sized for the largest birds in your flock. Ensure it can be securely closed at night.
- Notes: A ramp might be needed depending on the door's height from the ground.
📌 diy 🛠️ Door materials, hinges, latch4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
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