Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
known to knock young turkeys out of trees. They can't capture the turkey in the tree but
can easily get it when it's on the ground. Begin the training process early and be diligent
in getting them to go to their house to roost; if they can find a higher alternative they
will go there. Keep in mind that turkeys are stubborn and take several weeks of constant
training to get them used to an idea.
Turkeys do not require a fancy, elaborate, heated building once they become adults.
Adults are able to handle many weather-related hardships with minimal upset. A typical
house that contains a roost with adequate ventilation is all that's necessary for shelter.
A building such as the simple structure discussed in
chapter 2
, Housing and Supplies
(where you'll also find space requirements), is adequate for turkeys. For this species, the
ventilation space does not need to be covered with plastic during the winter.
Heritage turkeys like litter, especially in the winter, to keep their feet off of the cold
ground, but they are not as demanding as are chickens, or as appreciative as are ducks
and geese. Their waste product is usually very dry (unlike that of commercial birds) and
the litter does not need changing as frequently. My first choice of litter is straw, then
shavings.
In summer, fans are necessary only if you are in a hot or humid area and have chosen
to raise commercial whites. An overheated mature bird can be detected by its sagging
wings, open mouth, closed eyes, bobbing head, and droopy snood, if male. Teenaged
and adult heritage types adapt to weather changes better than any other type of fowl. As
adults, they are as hardy as they are vulnerable as babies.
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS FEED
Turkeys are farsighted. In the wild they can see a hunter or predator from quite a dis-
tance, but have trouble seeing their own two feet. This can pose problems for a raiser
trying to rear a young bird into a healthy, well-fed adult. Sometimes they can't see the
feed and water you offer them. It is easier for your birds to see and consume the food
you provide if you place something shiny, such as marbles, in the feed dish. This will
attract their attention to the food. You can also always put the food and water in the
same place to help them compensate for their nearsightedness.
COOKING A FREE-RANGE BIRD
Why add artificial flavor and extra salt to make a turkey taste good when the bird can
make the flavor itself? Heritage birds make delicious meals if you learn to cook them
properly.
