Turkeys can be a wonderful addition to any hobby farm, whether you are looking for another fun animal to add to your farm or if you are looking to use turkeys for profit. Though farmers typically choose chickens over turkeys because they produce both meat and eggs, don’t count them out! Turkeys are actually more profitable in terms of meat.

If you are looking for both eggs and meat, turkeys and chickens tend to get along fine, especially when they are raised from chicks together. You will need a pen or a coop to keep your turkeys in. Turkeys will still fly a long distance if given the chance, so they need to learn that staying in their pen or coop is where the food, water, and protection is. Turkeys need plenty of food and water to live happily. Turkey feed is available at most major supply stores.

If you are looking to raise turkeys for meat, there are several different breeds to choose from. Two popular breeds are Broad-Breasted Whites and Broad-Breasted Bronzes. Make sure to keep your turkeys healthy. Many turkeys are susceptible to diseases such as blackhead and coccidiosis. You can use supplements in your turkey’s water like acidophilus and vitamins to help protect them – both of which can be found at a co-op or farm supply store.

The majority of farm turkeys can be kept for meat purposes. Some breeds include the Beltsville Small White, Bourbon Red, Bronze, Narragansett, Norfolk Black, Slate and White Holland. However, if you’re looking to keep a turkey for a more ornamental purpose, consider the Royal Palm – they are not typically used for their meat.

Though turkey’s can be demanding in care, they are certainly worth considering adding to your hobby farm, whether that is for profit or simply for pleasure!

Picture:	Breed:
	Beltsville Small White: Origin: U.S. Coloring: White, Red Production: Meat Breed Note: Weigh 10 to 17 pounds at maturity
	Black: Origin: Mexico Coloring: Black, Red, Brown Production: Meat Breed Note: One of the oldest turkey breeds
	Bourbon Red: Origin: U.S. Coloring: Multiple Production: Meat Breed Note: Should weigh between 18 to 33 pounds at maturity
	Bronze: Origin: England Coloring: Multiple Production: Meat Breed Note: Weigh between 16 to 25 pounds
	Narragansett: Origin: U.S. Coloring: Multiple Production: Meat Breed Note: Known for good egg production and calm temperament
	Norfolk Black: Origin: Mexico Coloring: Black, Red, Brown Production: Meat Breed Note: Should weigh between 18 to 33 pounds at maturity
	Royal Palm: Origin: U.S. Coloring: Black, White, Red Production: Ornamental Breed Note: One of the few turkey breeds noted not for the use of meat
	Slate: Origin: unknown Coloring: Multiple Production: Meat Breed Note: Said to be a cross between the white and black turkey but there is little genetic evidence
	White Holland: Origin: unknown Coloring: White, Black, Blue, Red Production: Meat Breed Note: One of the rarest breeds of turkey as of today