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Winter is approaching, meaning it’s time to ensure your backyard turkeys are prepared for the cold. Turkeys are resilient, but the harsh weather conditions can still pose significant challenges. Here are 10 detailed tips to help you provide the best care for your turkeys during the colder months:
Winterize the Coop
Inspect your turkey coop before the cold sets in. Look for any cracks or holes that could let in drafts and seal them with caulking or foam installation. Adding thick layers of insulation to the walls can help keep the interior warm but remember to maintain good air circulation to prevent dampness, which can lead to respiratory issues in turkeys.
Manage Bedding
A dry environment is essential for keeping turkeys healthy during winter. Use straw or wood shavings as bedding, as these materials are excellent for insulation and moisture absorption. Regularly turn over the bedding to keep it fresh and add new layers weekly to ensure that the surface stays dry and comfortable for the birds.
Water Access
Water is critical to turkey’s survival, so ensure it remains unfrozen. Heated water dishes are an excellent investment as they prevent the water from freezing and ensure that your turkeys always have access to liquid water. Check the water several times per day to ensure it’s clean and unfrozen.
Adjust Feeding
During the cold winter months, turkeys need more calories to help maintain their body temperatures. Increase their feed slightly and include high-energy foods like cracked corn and sunflower seeds, which are high in fats. Also, ensure the feed is available more frequently throughout the day to help turkeys maintain their energy levels.
Monitor Health Closely
Keep a close eye on your turkeys for signs of illness, such as lethargy or reduced appetite, which can become more common in winter. Early detection is key to preventing disease spread. Ensure you have a plan in place for isolating any sick birds and treat them promptly.
Provide a Windbreak
Creating a wind barrier can significantly increase the comfort levels of your turkeys. Use natural wind breaks like bushes or build artificial ones with bales of straw or plywood. This will help shield your birds from cold winds and provide a warmer microclimate within their range area.
Ensure Adequate Space
Overcrowding can lead to increased moisture and ammonia levels, which can be detrimental to turkey health. Ensure each bird has enough space to move around freely, which is essential for their physical and mental health, especially when they spend more time inside due to cold weather.
Encourage Activity
Keeping your turkeys active and engaged during winter prevents behavioral issues like feather pecking. Introduce environmental enrichments such as hanging cabbages or robust toys designed for poultry to peck and play with. This not only entertains them, but also encourages some natural foraging behaviors.
Protect Their Feet
Check the condition of the ground in the turkey pen often. Cover any icy patches with straw or wood chips to protect your turkeys’ feet from frostbite. Also, apply petroleum jelly to their feet and wattles to provide an additional layer of protection against the cold.
Regular Maintenance
It’s important to perform daily checks to ensure that the coop and fencing are secure, especially after winter storms. Heavy snowfall can compromise structures, leading to potential hazards for your turkeys. Keeping the coop and surrounding areas in good repair is crucial for keeping predators out and providing a safe, warm environment for your turkeys.
Follow these detailed tips to ensure your backyard turkeys area healthy, comfortable, and well-protected throughout the winter months. If you’re interested in raising turkeys, Chickens for Backyards offers a variety of breeds to help you maintain a healthy flock throughout the year. Contact us today if you have any questions!
