Turkeys

Hunter Mahan

This is probably a stupid question but do turkeys need nest boxes like chickens do?
I know they like to roost nice and high, just wondering about the nests.

Thanks

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Turkeys will use a nest box but I reckon that turkeys are even more brainless than hens. Some turkeys will use a nest box while others will lay on the bedding. Also double breasted whites or bronze x db whites are less inclined to roost high as their weight restricts them from flying and they end up hurting themselves (breaking legs, wings) flying from a high roost.
If you are keeping db whites then it is best not to give them a high roost.

Hunter Mahan

Thanks, have nothing yet, but hope to get 2 later in the year. I'm just drawing up plans for their living quarters atm..

It's a bit confusing though, as everything I read says they need good ventilation but don't like drafts.

The house I'm building will be 6ft high at the apex, so the roosts are going to be at the 4' or 4'6" mark.

The house will be movable to give them fresh ground/grass when required and will have a wired off "run" of about 10'x8'.

I'll be using a similar off the ground poultry feeder I use for the hens.

Hopefully that will be ok.

dzer2

Turkeys love being out in the open spaces let them out during the day.

Hunter Mahan

Will they not just fly up into the trees though?

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Hunter Mahan wrote: »

Thanks, have nothing yet, but hope to get 2 later in the year. I'm just drawing up plans for their living quarters atm..

It's a bit confusing though, as everything I read says they need good ventilation but don't like drafts.

The house I'm building will be 6ft high at the apex, so the roosts are going to be at the 4' or 4'6" mark.

The house will be movable to give them fresh ground/grass when required and will have a wired off "run" of about 10'x8'.

I'll be using a similar off the ground poultry feeder I use for the hens.

Hopefully that will be ok.

Put the ventilation holes high up in both ends of the apex roof. Also cover the holes with fine builders wire or chicken wire to keep wild birds and rodents out. Overhead ventilation allows bad gasses (from bedding and dung) to escape, like ammonia. There is a difference between ventilation and draughts. Ventilation allows for airflow above the animals head whereas draughts draw up air from the ground area and normally cause stock to get a chill, which is not good.