raising turkeys

[kevino]

Hi
Am considering raising some turkeys for christmas would welcome any ideas.ie where to get the chicks when to get so ready for christmas how many for just my own (dont think 1 on its own is fair) how to prepare and on and on

Sorry just an idea at the moment and I know all you out there will give all the pros and cons.

Kevino

[SandraR]

Hi,

I've been raising turkeys for Christmas for the past 4 years.

The first year I bought 8 week old poults from a local supplier. The following years I have bought hatching eggs from a very good source on ebay and have hatched them both in the incubator and under broody hens.

At present I have two broody hens who have been sitting for a week, just 3 weeks to go. I have found mid/late June to be a good time to start rearing them to reach a good weight.

Commerical birds are available in different strains to reach certain finishing weights.

I personally would recommend getting at least three. With two if anything should happen to one you will be left with just one.

I haven't had any problems rearing the poults, if you hatch your own you must make sure they 'find' their food and water and any changes (feeders etc) need to be done slowly.

Blackhead can be a problem if reared with or on the ground used by chickens - worming solves this.

They will need to be herded to bed at night but easy enough to do.

I haven't found them any harder than chickens to raise..maybe noisier

Killing is the same as for chickens, plucking I find much easier.

Certainly worth it for the enjoyment, satisfaction, knowing how you birds were reared and finacially.

[oldjerry]

The hybrid breeds developed over the last 20 yrs or so are far,far easier to rear than their precursers.I gave them up in the late 70s as they they were so prone to keel over at the drop of a hat,but I know a few people round here that make a success of them.Don't know where you are,but Cyril Bason in Craven Arms will supply,and deliver just about anywhere.
To begin with would think about day olds(but only if youlve experience of raising poultry underlamps) otherwise buy some poults in the first year. BWs hope you can make a success of them.

[SandraR]

Yesterday 12 of the 13 eggs hatched Still along way to go but a good start.

Kevino - did you decide to go for turkeys?

[red]

well done Sandra!

and not only cos I hope to buy some poults from you