“7 Essential Tips for Raising Turkeys: Your Complete Guide to Success”
If you’re pondering over the prospect of raising turkeys to economize your grocery bill, you’re in for a surprise. Let me guide you through the wonderful journey of turkey raisers. You can bask in the joy of seeing them hop around daily, while maintaining control over their diet. We’re considering a small-scale venture here, rearing turkeys for personal consumption. This guide will be your best friend in keeping those feathered fellows happy, healthy, and organic.
1. Why Choose Organic?
Isn’t it concerning how purchased organic produce burns a hole in our pocket? That’s because ensuring unadulterated produce requires extra care. Poultry farms usually squeeze turkeys into small spaces. This close proximity increases the chances of disease spread among turkeys. To counteract this, farms often resort to heavily medicated feed. Unfortunately, this feed may contain antibiotics, hormones, steroids and other synthetics. Why pile all this into your turkey when you can just give them room to roam and keep them disease-free? That’s the primary step towards raising organic turkeys.
2. House Baby Turkeys Properly
Start your journey at a local hatchery, where you can buy baby turkeys at a reasonable cost. Make sure these little ones have a cozy place once they’re yours, ideally somewhere with a temperature above 80 degrees. You can house them in a small inflatable pool and use a bulb as a heat source. Just maintain a safe distance to prevent any accidents!
Protection Against the Elements
Once your turkeys are older and ready to explore the outdoors, ensure they have a secure shelter. A covered area can provide them respite from unfavorable weather conditions. Floor their pen with hay for their comfort.
Understanding Roosting Habits
Fun fact about growing turkeys: they prefer staying off the ground while sleeping. You can set up a platform within the pen, providing them the comfort they seek during their nap times.
3. Maintaining a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Keep fresh food and water available throughout. Growing turkeys require plenty of nutrients, so ensure you’re providing a balanced diet to these feathered friends. Replace the water regularly, especially during hot weather to keep them hydrated.
4. Free Range or Not?
- Among turkey raisers, some prefer letting their birds roam freely. This free-range method has its pros and cons.
- While it’s a more natural way of life for the turkeys, there’s an increased risk of them falling prey to predators.
- The freedom results in tougher meat – often requiring boiling before it can be cooked further.
Although keeping turkeys caged might seem less humane, ensure you provide them sufficient space. Remember, it’s not cruel if they have ample space!
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