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Turkeys are social creatures, so plan on raising at least two. They are bigger birds than chickens and thus more space is required. You’ll need a minimum of 25 square feet of outdoor space per bird for them to exercise, with predator-proof fencing on all sides, as well as overhead.
How much space do turkeys need in a coop?
The following is the amount of coop space per turkey that will be needed: 0-8 weeks: 2-2.5 square feet per turkey. 8-16 weeks: 3-4 square feet per turkey. 16-20 weeks: 5-8 square feet per turkey.
How many acres do you need to raise turkeys?
Turkeys require about one-eighth of an acre or about 75 feet by 75 feet for one dozen turkeys.
Do turkeys need a coop?
If you plan to raise your turkeys from poults, then the answer to “Do turkeys need a coop?” is a resounding yes. Once the poults outgrow their brooder, they will need a secure coop at night, just like any other type of poultry.
Will turkeys go back to Coop?
Turkeys will roost anywhere except where you want them to. They would go in the coop at night with no problems and roost with the chickens.
Do turkeys need nesting boxes?
Nest boxes are an essential feature for laying turkey hens, and can be simply built with just a little time and effort. Turkeys are large birds, but enjoy a cozy nest, so 8 inches of nesting room is more than enough to make them feel comfortable.
How big of a coop do I need for 2 turkeys?
You’ll need a minimum of 25 square feet of outdoor space per bird for them to exercise, with predator-proof fencing on all sides, as well as overhead. You’ll also need a small shed for a turkey coop; an 8-by-10-foot structure is big enough to house a few birds.
How much space do turkey poults need?
Overcrowding can also contribute to starving out, so make sure you have plenty of room for your poults. You’ll want at least a 10-by-10-foot space for a dozen day-old poults, and as they get bigger they will need more room. 5 As your poults grow, you may need to make the brooder bigger so they aren’t crowded.
How big should a turkey nesting box be?
A turkey will need a large 18″ x 18″ box. The nesting area does not need to be a series of individual boxes. Some birds enjoy using communal boxes (others however do not).
Can turkeys free range?
Therefore, you must continue to give them proper food and water though they’re free-ranging on your property. It’s like free-ranging chickens. The free-ranging can give the birds access to natural vitamins and nutrients they need. Make sure you give your turkeys grain and grit along with their free ranging.
Do turkeys stay in your yard?
Keep an eye on them, they will tend to stay around home base, but may wander due to their curious nature and herd mentality. If they see you, they will most likely run to you, and follow you around, so be careful of leading them to your garden area! This is generally how it goes until they reach 3 months.
How long do turkeys live for?
Turkey/Lifespan.
Will free range turkeys fly away?
Because turkeys are able to fly, those birds have been confined to the caged yard. We wanted to allow them free range in the fenced-in grassy area. However, because it has an open top, the turkeys would be able to fly away. Clipping the wings, a painless procedure, prevents the birds from taking flight.
Can you raise turkeys with chickens?
One of the main ways to keep turkeys healthy is too NOT raise chickens and turkeys together. When turkeys and chickens are raised together, turkeys run a high risk of contracting the disease histomoniasis, also known as blackhead.
Can turkeys live in a chicken coop?
Your chicken coop was likely not designed with an extra large bird, like a turkey, in mind. Turkeys may not fit through your chicken door, they have a hard time climbing chicken ladders like many ducks, and high doorways are sometimes insurmountable for these birds.
Do turkeys see well at night?
Although turkeys spend most of their time on the ground during the day, they sleep in trees at night. Turkeys cannot see well in the dark. Sleeping in trees provides protection from predators that roam and can see at night. Actually they are excellent flyers, and can fly straight up 50 feet to roost in a tree at night.
Where do female turkeys build their nests when they are about to lay eggs?
Typical locations are depressions in thickets or beneath the branches of fallen trees. Our hen had visited her nest each day to lay one egg until she had a full clutch of nine.
How old does a turkey have to be before it starts laying eggs?
“Turkeys have a longer life cycle so they need to get to about 7 months before they are able to produce laying eggs,” says Kimmon Williams of the National Turkey Federation.
Can two male turkeys live together?
turkeys, often called “heritage” turkeys, can live in mixed-sex flocks so long as everyone gets along well. However, you may find that males (toms ) get along with each other better if they live away from female turkeys entirely. In a mixed-sex flock, it’s usually easiest to have one tom living with a few turkey hens.
