Turkeys

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-turkeyBeltsville Small White:
Origin: U.S.
Coloring: White, Red
Production: Meat
Breed Note: Weigh 10 to 17 pounds at maturity
black-turkeyBlack:
Origin: Mexico
Coloring: Black, Red, Brown
Production: Meat
Breed Note: One of the oldest turkey breeds
bourbon-red-turkeyBourbon Red:
Origin: U.S.
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Meat
Breed Note: Should weigh between 18 to 33 pounds at maturity
bronze-turkeyBronze:
Origin: England
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Meat
Breed Note: Weigh between 16 to 25 pounds
narragansett-turkeyNarragansett:
Origin: U.S.
Coloring: Multiple
Production: Meat
Breed Note: Known for good egg production and calm temperament
norfolk-black-turkeyNorfolk Black:
Origin: Mexico
Coloring: Black, Red, Brown
Production: Meat
Breed Note: Should weigh between 18 to 33 pounds at maturity
royal-palm-turkeyRoyal 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-turkeySlate:
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-turkeyWhite Holland:
Origin: unknown
Coloring: White, Black, Blue, Red
Production: Meat
Breed Note: One of the rarest breeds of turkey as of today