Broiler turkeys: growing, keeping and care at home

General description of the breed

The main goal of broiler farming is to obtain high quality meat. Egg production in most breeds is at a fairly low level. All broilers have similar physical characteristics. The body is muscular and very massive.

The head is large; it has a large and strong beak with a pronounced appendage. The wings are well developed, birds can fly over a fence up to 3 m high.

Thanks to their powerful build, broilers can move quickly, some breeds reach speeds of up to 50 km / h. The weight of turkeys can reach 30 kg, females are usually slightly less. Juveniles quickly gain weight, chicks rarely have congenital developmental pathologies.

Bronze North Caucasian

It is a product of domestic selection. Place of formation - Stavropol Territory. The breeding was attended by local turkeys and producers of the bronze broad-breasted breed. The bird is mainly bred in the southern part of our country and in the North Caucasus.

Performance characteristic

Turkeys have an elongated body, deep sternum, strong long limbs. In size and weight, they lose to the bronze broad-breasted. The average weight of the male is about 15 kg, the female is no more than 8 kg. By the age of 21 days, the turkey is gaining a mass of 4 kg.

Bronze North Caucasian

The bird is adapted for growing on pastures, endowed with a high level of adaptation to different climatic zones. From one female, you can get 80 egg products in 365 days. The egg-producing period starts from the 9th month. Fertility is 90%.

An interesting feature of the carcasses of young animals, which have a non-marketable purple-blue color, therefore, turkey poults are practically not used for slaughter.

Varieties

Broiler turkeys are considered the most sought after breeds on the market. Active selection is still underway, new varieties are being developed.

All turkeys in this group are usually divided into three main groups:

• Lungs... Their weight does not exceed 15 kg, turkeys are slightly less - they grow up to 10 kg. Birds have disease resistance, the highest egg production among other broilers. The most famous light breeds: Norfolk, White Dutch, Bestville;
• Average... These are highly productive birds, growing up to 18 kg. The growing period usually lasts 22 to 24 weeks. Popular breeds of this group: Moscow, North Caucasian;
• Large (Heavy)... The most common type of broiler turkey. The weight of adult males can reach 30 kg. Females are smaller, up to 12 kg. Grown up to 28 weeks, after which the content becomes unprofitable. Known large breeds: Big-6, Canadian broad-breasted, White broad-breasted.

The choice of breed directly affects the characteristics of maintenance, care and breeding. To replenish the bird population, egg incubation is used, less often crossing between different breeds is carried out, which leads to a decrease in productivity.

Canadian broad-breasted

Highly productive breed of broiler turkeys. An adult male can grow up to 30 kg, the young quickly gain slaughter weight. After 45-50 days, turkey poults weigh up to 5 kg.

The beginning of laying falls on 9 months, egg production is 200 pieces per year. Birds are unpretentious to keeping conditions, feed.Thanks to the early maturity, slaughter is possible by 90 days of life.

White broad-breasted

The breed was developed in the 20th century in the United States. Birds are distinguished by the presence of bright white spots in the plumage, on the chest there is a black spot in the form of a bow. The body is large, oval.

Males reach 25 kg, females are able to grow up to 11 kg. The rate of weight gain is average, by 5 months of life turkey poults weigh up to 7 kg. Sexual maturity occurs by 9 months, egg production is only 100 eggs, but most of them are already fertilized.

White broad-breasted turkey is picky in the feed, it is required to correctly compose the diet. The meat has a good taste and is appreciated for its low fat content. Birds of this breed calmly tolerate cage content.

Big-9 and Big-6

Both breeds are crosses, bred by an English company specializing in the selection of new productive breeds of poultry.

The weight of turkeys of this breed reaches 30 kg in adulthood. More than 80% of the carcass is valuable dietary meat, which is the best indicator among all breeds of turkeys. Slaughter age falls on 3-4 months of life. Replenishment of the herd population is possible only by the incubation method.

Moscow bronze

The breed was bred in the middle of the 20th century. Outwardly, these are some of the most recognizable broiler turkeys. The plumage is represented by a varied shade, a large brown tail with a black stripe at the end.

Males can reach 12 kg, females a little less - up to 7 kg. Egg production - 90 eggs per season. Birds of this breed can often be found in private farmsteads, they are unpretentious in terms of keeping conditions, quality of feed. Moscow bronze turkeys are highly resistant to low temperatures.

Buying birds for your own livestock: sellers, prices and what is important to pay attention to

The success of growing broiler turkeys is largely dependent on the health and characteristics of the breed of the first individuals purchased for breeding. We will tell you where it is best to buy chicks, what to look for when buying and how much it will cost.

The success of growing broiler turkeys depends largely on the health and characteristics of the breed of the first individuals purchased for breeding.

Buying turkeys for livestock

For growing broiler turkeys in a subsidiary farm it is advisable to purchase already hatched chickens and adultsrather than eggs for the incubator. So the probability of survival of the entire livestock will be higher, and the threat of losses will be lower.

You need to buy birds from reliable and proven breeders, for example, in large farms or at poultry factories. Please note that turkey poults for breeding are sold not only in Russia. Buying birds in Belarus is a fairly popular option.

Broiler breeds cost

The price of a bird depends on its age and breed. It is optimal to buy several adult males and females (6-9 months) and a batch of chickens (from 3 days to 1 month). The cost of one adult broad-breasted white turkey is 10 thousand rubles. Chickens are cheaper - from 250 rubles. Some breeders sell newly hatched chicks. The purchase is inexpensive, but there is no guarantee that all of them will survive and grow to the bottom-hole age.

For these reasons, you should not save on the purchase of birds for livestock: too low a price may indicate poor health of individuals. But even if the chicks are healthy, it is difficult to provide them with proper care. Therefore, if the entrepreneur does not have experience in breeding turkeys, it is better to limit the first purchase to a dozen adult males and females.

The main signs of healthy turkey poults

When buying birds, look for the following signs:

1. Chicks are active, vigorous, stand firmly on their feet and eat a lot. If you put food in front of them, they definitely start eating.
2. The abdomen is soft and tucked up.A bulging belly is a sign of a number of diseases. The umbilical cord is completely healed.
3. They react to noise, respond to knocking.
4. The wings should be tightly pressed against the body, not protruding.
5. The down is shiny, smooth and dry.

Broiler chicks are active, vigorous, stand firmly on their feet and eat a lot.

Testimonials

Broiler turkeys are increasingly being purchased for on-farm production. Birds are unpretentious in food, grow and develop quickly.

Turkey meat contains a large amount of minerals, vitamins and is dietary. Turkey eggs are very nutritious. The products are always in demand on the market, and the birds themselves are a real decoration of the courtyard.

Among the minuses, there is a high risk of mortality among chicks, the need to use an equipped brooder and incubator.

With poor-quality nutrition and care in turkeys, the likelihood of infections and obesity increases. In addition, due to the large body, a large amount of compound feed is required, which leads to significant financial costs at the beginning of breeding.

What is a broiler

Any broiler bird is a breed or cross bred by selection, the purpose of breeding which is to obtain an increased amount of meat from the carcass.

Broiler turkeys are gradually replacing the previously popular traditional breeds on the market. one bird can produce up to 25 kg of meat.

Broiler carcass

In most cases, a meat orientation in turkey hatching will lead to a decrease in egg production. But the bird does not completely lose the ability to reproduce, so the reproduction of the herd is quite possible.

How to grow? Beginner rules

To grow turkeys on your site, you need a room with a sufficient walking area, the ability to use high-quality feed and the presence of an insulated poultry house.

Basic rules for growing turkeys at home:

• nests in a shed should be placed in dark corners, which is important for birds to rest;
• perches should be set at least 70 cm from the litter;
• drinkers and feeders should be cleaned at least once a day;
• broilers should be kept separate from other breeds;
• next to the poultry house, there must be a walking area with a large amount of green fodder;
• vaccinations should be carried out in accordance with veterinary standards.

Broilers require a large amount of feed, which is important to take into account even at the planning stage of the farm. Turkeys of this group are large birds that need constant access to food and water.

Requirements for turkey nests

Broilers are primarily a source of lean meat. Egg production for broiler females is not critical. But for the production of offspring, some females are left to incubate. Individual nests are built in secluded parts of the house. In order for the nesting site to be dry and warm, its bottom should be covered with a cozy bedding, which is treated very carefully. It is important to keep it clean, if necessary, replace or replace it fresh.

The size of a turkey broiler nest should be approximately 60 by 60 centimeters. One nest usually contains 5 females. To prevent a turkey from climbing into the nest, a roof is installed above it at an angle.

Maintenance and care at home

The broiler turkey house should be spacious. It is here that the birds spend most of their time, so the area is calculated from the number of livestock.

For a normal life, harmonious development, it is required to build a room at the rate of 1 m2 per 1 turkey. Perches are placed inside according to the rule: 50 cm of free space for an adult bird. They are best placed at a height of 70-80 cm from the floor.

If there are layers in the flock, they need to nest separately.Straw, hay or sawdust are used as bedding for birds, which is important to regularly clean and change as needed.

The indoor temperature should preferably be maintained at a level of 19-22 ° C annually, and birds need lighting up to 14 hours a day.

The males are kept separately, for which they use the zoning of the room with the help of partitions. Cage content is also possible, but it should be borne in mind that for turkeys it is necessary to build strong racks, preferably of metal.

In the barn, a ventilation system should be thought out, and under the windows it is advisable to equip a walkway with a size of 60x60 cm.

Place for walking

The area, where turkeys can walk freely during the day, allows them to accelerate weight gain and strengthen the immunity of birds. Usually, the walking area is located on the southern or eastern side of the house, and the area is limited by a fence with a height of 2.5-3 m.

The presence of a canopy allows you to protect birds from precipitation, reduces the risk of broilers escaping from the site. Inside the walking area, you can plant grass, for example, alfalfa, dandelion or clover, and in winter use fine sand or sawdust.

In addition, feeders and drinkers should be placed here. It is also recommended to fix branches or twigs of deciduous trees on the fence.

Cellular content

Broiler turkeys are most often kept in cages. This allows you to speed up the process of gaining weight, and also simplifies the maintenance process. One cage can contain 1 male or 2 females.

The structure itself is recommended to be erected from wooden bars and a metal fence. The optimal size of the cage is 80x80x105 cm; for large breeds, the area should be increased. They are placed on special reinforced racks raised 80 cm from the floor.

This method of housing is not only suitable for large breed broiler turkeys.

Brooder

For keeping young animals at home, use a special box with a metal lattice. The poults are here for the first weeks of life before moving to an adult poultry house.

One meter can accommodate up to 25 birds. Inside, a heat source, feeders and shelves must be installed, as well as measuring instruments - a thermometer and a hygrometer for complete control of the microclimate. Before starting the chicks into the brooder, the walls and bedding must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.

Eating at home

The meat and egg productivity of birds, as well as their health, depends on the quality and composition of the feed. You can feed turkeys with special feed or mixed food.

Compound feed is recommended to be purchased specifically for broiler breeds, as it is more nutritious and contains all the necessary minerals. To automate the process on large farms, it is advisable to purchase feeders of any type of device, nipple drinkers.

Feeding turkeys

For newborn chicks, it is advisable to use a special pre-start composition containing all the necessary minerals and vitamins for harmonious growth.

Starting from the first month of life, turkey poults are offered chopped grain: oats, corn grits or barley. Low-fat cottage cheese, root vegetables and fish meal are added to the mixture. In addition, it is imperative to include dry yeast. Chicks are fed 7-9 times a day.

In the early days, it is recommended to offer the green hour with the addition of 1 teaspoon of sugar per liter, which helps to strengthen immunity and resistance. From the 4th day of life, the chicks are transferred to the water.

Feeding adult birds

Starting from 60 days of life, chicks can be completely transferred to the adult menu. Turkeys, unlike other poultry, are picky when feeding, so you need to carefully compose the diet.

If you are preparing your own food, it should consist of the following foods:

• grains and legumes (up to 70%);
• roots;
• meat and bone and fish meal;
• green food;
• cake or meal;
• sprouted wheat grains, yeast.

Broilers are fed 3-4 times a day in small portions, and river sand or crushed chalk can be given to improve digestion. In winter, it is recommended to replace greens with sprigs of conifers or hay. Large chunks of food should not be given as they can clog the airways and lead to suffocation.

Hybrid converter

A hybrid obtained by crossing a bronze broad-chested and white Dutch. The cross turned out to be very large. Males weigh 19-22 kilograms, females up to 12 kilograms. The color is white. The head is small, with a bright beak. The males have a very developed tail.

When they spread it, they become like big balls. The bird behaves calmly if it is among its relatives. It often conflicts with other birds. Therefore, it is advisable to keep these turkeys separately from everyone. In the spring-autumn period, the cross is kept outdoors in a specially equipped paddock.

Clover, peas, alfalfa should grow on its territory. For the winter, the birds are settled in a warm place. In a closed pen, the floor must be lined with sawdust. The room must always be ventilated. When constructing perches, it should be borne in mind that there can be at least two turkeys on one square meter.

In summer, turkeys are fed with wheat, corn, barley, oats, herbs and special feed. In winter, the diet changes: chestnuts, acorns, vegetables, crushed needles. For a quick mass gain, it is necessary to give vitamins and minerals.

Benefits:

• live in any climate;
• with proper care, they practically do not get sick;
• give a lot of meat.

Disadvantages:

• love to fight;
• afraid of dampness.

Another hybrid that gives a lot of meat. He became famous for his rapid weight gain. In addition to meat, down is appreciated in turkeys of this cross. It is very light and soft.

BIG 6 turkeys are white. They have a wide and convex chest, legs - thick and powerful. The wingspan is large. Males stand out with a bright beard and large catkins; in a healthy bird, they are bright red.

To gain weight faster, poultry farmers cross chicks from the heavy paternal line with the lungs from the maternal. In this case, young males gain 14 kilograms of live weight by 17 weeks. Then a good meat yield is obtained - 70%. In order for the weight gain to be correct, farmers consume two kilograms of feed per kilogram of the gained weight.

Young animals need to be fed according to the schedule with special compound feed. In the first days of life, it is recommended to feed the turkey poults with wheat mixed with crushed eggs and herbs. This helps to improve the digestive process. From the third day of life, crushed carrots are introduced into the diet.

Then add fish flour, yogurt, cottage cheese. In adults, corn, wheat, barley should be present in the diet. Drinking bowls with fresh water are required.

You can grow BIG-6 turkey poults at home on a straw floor. For the first weeks of life, the room should be at a temperature of 30 degrees. Then it is gradually lowered to 22 degrees. For good growth, young animals need 12 hours of daylight.

Benefits:

• gain weight quickly;
• they lay eggs well;
• the survival rate of chicks is high.

Breeding at home

It is advisable to keep broiler turkeys for slaughter separately by sex. This allows you to rationalize the consumption of feed, to achieve a significant gain in meat. Separation of females and males is carried out at the age of 8 weeks.

Turkeys grow a little longer, so you need to competently approach the breeding process. When selecting pairs for breeding, only the most productive and healthy individuals should be used; crossing of sick birds, as well as turkeys with weak breed characteristics, is not allowed.

Due to their heavy weight, turkeys are considered poor brood hens - they often crush their eggs, and some crosses have no hatching instinct at all.

Therefore, to replenish the herd, incubators are used, in which eggs of birds from their own farm or purchased in special nurseries are placed. The eggs are incubated at 37 to 38 ° C, depending on the stage.

In the first 2 weeks, the humidity should be up to 50%, then it is increased to 70%. Chicks are born in 26-29 days from the moment of laying in the incubator. After that, they are placed in a brooder, where they are kept for 30 days, after which the replacement chicks are transferred to a common poultry house.

Increasing livestock: breeding features of turkeys

It is very expensive to constantly buy chicks, and even more so adult birds. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve natural reproduction within your own livestock. Turkeys do not fly as well as, for example, chickens, so the beginning farmer needs to prepare for some difficulties.

Turkeys lay up to 150 eggs per year, while they can incubate no more than 17 chicks per month. You can accelerate the growth of livestock using an incubator: eggs are placed in it 2 weeks after laying. For high-quality selection of eggs before incubation, you must use an ovoscope: check the number of yolks inside (there should be only one).

Features of caring for chicks

Newly hatched chicks require very careful care. In particular, during the first 14 days, they need constant lighting (24 hours a day), which from 15 days can be reduced by 30 minutes daily. The temperature should also be higher than that at which adult birds are kept - 30-34 degrees will be the best solution.

Little turkeys, like other chicks, do not tolerate dampness and drafts. Isolate them from any sources of moisture and cold. Before settling chicks in a common poultry house or aviary, it is necessary to disinfect all surfaces and objects.

Diseases and their treatment

Broiler turkeys have strong disease resistance and strong immunity. They are less likely to suffer from infectious pathologies than other breeds, and due to early slaughter they do not have time to survive to chronic diseases of the joints and the digestive system.

The most common diseases in broilers:

• Coccidiosis... Caused by unicellular protozoa, it is fatal in 30% of cases. You can determine the infection by a change in feces, the appearance of alopecia and ruffled feathers. Poorly treatable, drugs containing sulfadimethoxine are most effective;
• Mycoplasmosis... A contagious form of the common cold in turkeys. Often appears when keeping birds in cold conditions. Infected individuals lose weight, conjunctivitis develops. Can lead to exhaustion and death. For treatment, antibiotics of the tetracycline series or Furazolidone are used;
• Goiter diseases... This is a large group of pathologies that arise against the background of violation of the rules of feeding, the use of low-quality food. The most common goiter is hard or saggy goiter. Both problems respond well to treatment.

If the technology of growing young animals is not followed and there is a lack of minerals in the feed, turkey poults may develop vitamin deficiency. It leads to a slow pace of development, often accompanied by rhinitis.

Like all other domesticated birds, turkeys need to be routinely vaccinated and fed with antibiotics and probiotics according to the scheme. The procedures are carried out starting from 5 days of age.

White broad-chested

To increase the rate of egg production and growth, individuals should be well looked after and comfortable conditions should be created. Broad-breasted white turkeys need proper feeding and care:

• wet and dried mash;
• sprouted and dried cereals;
• fresh herbs, cabbage and more.

Young animals are fed with pre-grated cereals and eggs - it is important to provide a healthy and nutritious diet. Water can be replaced with milk. It is important that the milk is fresh. If the farm has its own cow, this is the best way out of the situation.

Already from one month of age, grown-up individuals are fed mash, which consists of greens and wet cereals. Knead in water.

Nettle, cabbage leaves are suitable for making mash. Mushrooms are available for purchase at specialized retail outlets. Adults also eat mash.

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