Whether you raise turkeys for personal enjoyment or as a business venture, raising them can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. To make your venture successful, however, you must choose the right turkey poults. In addition to growing faster and producing better quality meat, healthy poults are also less likely to contract diseases.
A healthy poult grows up to be an adult turkey, so it is important to consider a variety of factors when choosing the right breed, care, and management.
Are you raising any turkeys? Share your experiences below.
A healthy poult grows up to be an adult turkey, so it is important to consider a variety of factors when choosing the right breed, care, and management.
Healthy turkey poults should be selected based on the following factors
- Healthy poults have bright eyes, clean nostrils, and smooth, shiny feathers. There should also be no signs of deformities or injuries on their feet and legs.
- Moving around freely and not huddled together are signs that poults are active and alert. Furthermore, they should be vocal, showing that they are healthy and not stressed.
- Your poults should be purchased from a supplier who can provide details on hatch dates, breeds, and vaccinations. You should avoid buying poults from unknown sources because they might carry diseases or genetic defects.
- Turkey poults should be purchased within 24 to 48 hours after hatching. Deformities and diseases are more likely to occur if you wait too long.
- Whether for meat production, egg production, or exhibition, choose a breed that suits your needs. The size, coloration, and growth rate of each breed may influence your decision.
Turkey Breeds
Every turkey breed has its own unique characteristics, so there are several varieties to choose from. The following are some of the most popular breeds:- Broad-Breasted Bronze: Its distinctive bronze feathers, large size, and excellent meat quality make it a very popular breed.
- Broad Breasted White: Known for its high-quality meat and fast growth rate, this is the most popular commercial turkey breed.
- Bourbon Red: The Bourbon Red breed is a heritage breed with distinctive red and white feather patterns. They are excellent meat and egg producers and are a great backyard option.
- Narragansett: Also a heritage breed, the Narragansett has a distinctive black and white feather pattern. This breed is known for its excellent meat and egg production, as well as its calm and friendly nature.
- Royal Palm: With distinctive white and black feathers, the Royal Palm is a small, colorful breed. The breed is popular because of its excellent egg production and makes an excellent pet.
Turkey poult care and management
It is essential to provide your poults with proper care and management so they will grow into healthy adults. The following tips are essential:- The first few weeks of life should be spent in a clean, warm brooder. For the first week, maintain a temperature around 90-95°F and gradually reduce it to 70-75°F by week four.
- High-quality starter feed is recommended for turkey poults, containing at least 28% protein. Make sure the feed is fresh and mold-free.
- Ensure that fresh, clean water is always available. To prevent drowning, the water container should be shallow.
- Make sure that your turkey poults are regularly monitored for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea. In order to prevent diseases, make sure they receive regular vaccinations and dewormings.
- Ensure the poults have enough space to move around and exercise as they grow. Maintain a well-ventilated living space to prevent respiratory ailments.
Conclusion
A successful turkey-raising endeavor begins with choosing healthy turkey chicks. Consider the above factors when selecting poults, including appearance, source, breed, and age.Are you raising any turkeys? Share your experiences below.
