How to Raise Turkeys in Confinement

All domestic turkeys in the world today originated from North American wild turkeys. Although many different breeds of turkeys exist, domestic and wild are the only two varieties. Domestic turkeys are larger than their wild counterparts, and cannot fly or run fast. The white, wide-breasted turkeys raised for the table today were developed in the 1950s and are the most common variety. Wild turkeys can fly and can also run at up to 35 miles per hour. They are raised as pets or for game bird hunting.

Things You'll Need

  • Coop
  • 100- to 250-watt lights
  • Sawdust of corncob litter
  • Hessian or paper sheeting
  • Turkey starter, grower and finisher feeds
  • Grains
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build your coop. Young turkeys do not do well in overcrowded conditions. A 10-by-10 foot cage will accommodate 30 poults or 20 young turkeys. The coop should be wired all around with 1-by-2 inch welded wire for the floor. Hang a 250-watt bulb above the cage for a large number of poults or a 100-watt bulb above a cardboard box for a lesser number. Keep them under the lights until they stop huddling together.

    • 2

      Spread the litter in the coop. Sawdust or corn cobs make the best litter for turkeys. To prevent the poults from getting confused, place a sheet of paper or hessian sacking over the top of it for the first few days. Poults can mistake the sawdust for feed, and this practice will prevent them from eating it.

    • 3

      Purchase your breeding stock. Turkey eggs are not as easy to hatch as chicken eggs, and suppliers do not guarantee they will hatch. Good quality adult breeding birds are very expensive and hard to obtain because the breeders hold onto them. Starting with poults or day-old turkey chicks is the most recommended method for starting a turkey raising operation. Most breeders agree to replace them if they die in transit or within a few days after you receive them.

    • 4

      Provide water in a chicken water fountain for the poults. After a week, switch to a water can pan with a wire guard to prevent the young turkeys from getting into the water and soiling it. Make certain they always have a good supply of fresh, clean water.

    • 5

      Feed a starter mash. Place a feeder on the ground for the first few days, then raise it to prevent it getting soiled and wet. Give them a grower feed after eight weeks, and after 14 weeks add grain to their diet and switch to the finisher feed. At 10 to 28 weeks domestic turkeys are ready for slaughter. If you intend to allow wild turkeys to free-range during the day, you must clip their wings or they will fly away.