How to Prepare to Bring Home Backyard Turkeys

Raising backyard turkeys is an exciting opportunity that can enrich your understanding of poultry while providing more than a few rewards. Whether you’re hoping for fresh eggs, meat, or simply the joy of watching these magnificent birds roam your yard, preparing adequately before bringing them home is crucial. Here’s a guide to help you get started on the right foot:

Understanding Space Requirements

Turkeys will need more space for chickens because of their larger size and higher activity levels. Ensure you have enough room in your backyard for them to roam freely. Allocate about 20 to 30 square feet per turkey in their pen. This space is necessary not only for their health and well-being, but also to keep them safe and secure from predators.

Setting Up the Right Shelter

Your turkeys will need a sturdy shelter to protect them from the elements and provide a safe space to roost at night. The shelter should be well-ventilated, dry, and spacious enough to accommodate all of the turkeys comfortably. They can be particularly susceptible to respiratory problems, so keeping their living area clean and dry is impressive.

Choosing the Appropriate Feed

Turkeys certainly have different dietary requirements than chickens, especially if you are raising them for meat. They require a high protein diet, so you’ll need to purchase feed specifically formulated for turkeys. Starter feeds should have about 28% protein, which you can gradually decrease as they grow older.

Health and Wellness Check

Before your turkeys arrive, familiarize yourself with the common health issues they might face, such as Blackhead disease or respiratory issues. Have a plan for regular health checks and know where your nearest poultry veterinarian is located. Consider how you will handle parasites and whether you’ll need to vaccinate your birds.

Preparing to bring home backyard turkeys involves careful planning to ensure you meet their specific needs. If you’re looking to purchase turkeys or need more guidance on setting up your backyard for them, Chickens for Backyards offers a wide variety of poultry breeds you need to get started. Contact us today to learn more!