Turkeys
For a holiday meat bird with more personality than a chicken -- turkeys grow in 4 to 7 months, but poults are delicate and they should not share space with chickens.
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Why this fits you
- You want to raise your own turkey for the table.
- You have space for a larger bird than a chicken.
- You are ready to handle delicate poults for the first weeks.
Turkeys are larger and more demanding than chickens but give a lot of meat. Broad Breasted White turkeys reach table weight in roughly 14 to 20 weeks, while heritage breeds take 24 to 30 weeks. Poults are fragile and need high-protein feed and warmth, and adult turkeys need more room than chickens.
Broad Breasted or heritage
Broad Breasted White turkeys grow fast and give a large breast, but they cannot mate naturally and are prone to leg problems if they are kept too long. Heritage breeds such as Bourbon Red and Narragansett grow more slowly, can breed naturally and forage well, but cost more to raise. Choose based on whether you want a quick holiday bird or a flock that can sustain itself.
Brooding poults
Poults need a warm brooder, starting at about 95 degrees Fahrenheit and dropping about 5 degrees a week, and a starter feed with high protein, around 28 percent. They are slow to learn to eat and drink, so show them the feeder and waterer. They are more fragile than chicks in cold and wet, so keep them dry.
Keep them away from chickens
Turkeys are highly susceptible to blackhead disease, which is spread by a parasite that chickens carry without showing signs. For that reason, many keepers keep turkeys on separate ground from chickens, and do not run them in the same pen.
Space and housing
Plan substantially more room than for chickens, with roosts set sturdily for heavy birds and a predator-proof shelter at night. Turkeys can fly short distances when young, and some keepers clip a wing. They do best on pasture with access to shelter and shade.
Timing and processing
Time the hatch so that birds reach the target weight just before the holiday you are planning for, and book processing early if you are not doing it yourself. Plan the freezer or fridge space for a large bird.
How it compares
| Animal | Space needed | Daily time commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Chickens | Small (coop+run) | Low |
| Rabbits | Very small (hutches) | Low-moderate |
| Ducks | Small, needs water access | Low-moderate |
| Dairy Goats | Moderate (0.5-1 acre) | High (daily milking) |
| Honeybees | Minimal (a few sq ft) | Low (weekly checks) |
| Sheep | Moderate (pasture) | Low-moderate; busy at lambing |
| Pigs | Moderate (strong pen) | Moderate |
| Turkeys | Moderate (more than chickens) | Low-moderate |
| Guinea Fowl | Free range | Low |
Buying checklist
- Brooder with heat and a 28 percent protein starter ready before poults arrive
- Separate ground from chickens to avoid blackhead disease
- A processing plan and a date that suits your holiday
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to raise a turkey?
Broad Breasted White turkeys reach table weight in about 14 to 20 weeks. Heritage breeds take 24 to 30 weeks or more.
Can turkeys live with chickens?
It is risky because chickens can carry the parasite that causes blackhead in turkeys. Many keepers keep them apart.
Are turkeys hard to raise?
Poults are delicate for the first weeks, but older birds are fairly hardy once they are feathered.
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