We had some problems initially and lost a poult due to picking - we immediately resolved the problem by giving them more space and providing them with "turkey salad" - fresh greens that we harvested from our property. Young pheasants and turkeys enjoy a little greenery and will be more interested in that than in starting to pick on one another. (You might be able to see a small amount of "salad" on the brooder floor in the pictures above.)
Although some reccommend it, we do not like to use medicated feed (or antibiotics or sugar in the water) unless there is a problem. Our turkeys did well on our 26% high protein game bird starter crumbles. They do seem to consume more water than other poultry of their size, so make sure that plenty of fresh, clean water is available at all times.
Our little baby poults who where so cute grew quickly, and almost overnight they got too tall for their brooders (which have tops to prevent accidental escape). A pen was prepared outside for them, with shelter, a place to roost, and a big waterer. We use 2x4 welded fencing (the heavy duty kind) to deter predators, and have found that an inner treatment of 3' tall 1" chicken wire to keep out snakes, keep birds from sticking their heads out, owls from getting in, etc. is the best starter. From there, we buy nylon netting (Memphis Netting Co. is the best place to purchase) and go from the 3' chicken wire to the top of the 5' fencing, up the extended sides (something like sticks of 1 1/2" conduit works well) and over the top so everything is secured with netting. We make gates that are tall enough for a person to walk through without stooping, and frame them with 2x4's. The gate has wire similar to the construction of the fence, to keep poultry in and unwanted visitors out. Handles on both sides, a spring to self-shut the gate, some hinges and a good latch are all that is needed.
Here is a gate like I am describing:
Anyway, as I got a bit sidetracked....here are some photos of the turkeys when they first arrived in their outdoor pen:
Below are some photos of when the boys first starting fanning like the big toms. At this point, they weren't even gobbling!!! I think they were cute at this stage.
Here is a recent picture of the turkeys just before they were moved to separate quarters for each variety. Doesn't it look like the Ringneck male is thinking "Gee, I'm small"???
I had to recently handle one of the hens, who had gotten some loose netting wrapped around a foot. They're STRONG! She bruised my leg when I pinned her to free her foot. I won't blame her, I did somewhat startle her I probably would have kicked an attacker, also!
Overall, I love these turkeys! I've heard all sorts of bad things about turkeys being stupid, well first off - the heritage turkeys are at least intelligent enough to reproduce on their own (commercial varieties require artifical insemination to reproduce!) They have no problems getting out of the weather when it's rainy or stormy, they are friendly, social and curious with great personalities! My turkeys are awesome drinkers - 18 of them go through about 8 gallons a day in the heat in Arkansas. They like fresh feed, so they are fed daily instead of with an automatic feeder like the chickens have.
I will post more about these favorites in poultry as I get more time...hope you've enjoyed this much!
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