We recently added turkey poults to our farm. They are cute and, at day one, look exactly like day-old chicks. Did you know that turkey chicks are called poults and a group of turkeys is called a rafter?
We get our chickens, guinea fowl, and turkeys from Cackle Hatchery in Missouri. They have specific breeds we are focused on, ship reliably, and package in such a way that ensures the safety of the animals. They ship USPS, and we will pick them up the next day at our local post office.
These turkeys are two heritage breeds. Blue Slate and Royal Palm. Turkeys generally fall into three categories: Wild, Heritage, and Broad-Breasted. The broad-breasted is the turkey you find in a grocery store; its features are fast growth and high meat yield. Wild turkeys are common in the US but not preferable for consumption, in our opinion.
Heritage breeds are less popular and more expensive, grow slower, and taste amazing. We have another reason for raising these birds. Without a market for these breeds, it is very possible they would disappear. Heritage breeds directly connect us with our ancestors, who domesticated wild turkeys native to the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries. The advent of industrial agriculture in the 20th century spelled the demise of heritage breeds, but they have not disappeared through the diligent efforts of enthusiasts and specialty producers.
Caring for one-day-old turkey poults through their first few weeks ensures they grow into healthy, vigorous birds. This period is particularly delicate, as the poults are highly susceptible to environmental changes, diseases, and nutritional imbalances. With the proper care, you can set the stage for their future well-being.
Setting Up the Brooder
The first step in caring for your turkey poults is setting up a proper brooder. A brooder is an enclosed area that provides warmth, safety, and easy access to food and water. Maintaining the right temperature is vital for turkey poults. For the first week, the brooder should be kept at around 95°F (35°C). You can achieve this with a heat lamp about 18 inches above the bedding.
The same equipment we use for chickens is set up for turkeys on our farm. The brooder is simply 24" x 96" panels screwed together to make a box. We have 15 poults, which means we need a smaller brooder. We use 24" x 48" panels on the ends to create a box that is 2 feet by 8 feet. Fine pine shavings on the floor serve as bedding, and the chick feeders and waters round out the brooder.
We spray all equipment down with bleach and water in between uses. Turkeys and chickens should not be housed together; good biosecurity practices dictate regular equipment cleaning.
Monitor the poults’ behavior—if they’re huddled under the heat source, it’s too cold; if they’re far from it, it’s too hot. Gradually decrease the temperature by 5°F each week until they are fully feathered. Here in South Florida, we mainly protect them from too much heat. The heat lamps are used at night for the first week, after which we can discontinue use. A simple digital thermometer in the brooder will read the temperature, and you can make decisions based on that reading.
The brooder should be spacious enough for the poults to move around freely. As they grow, they’ll need more space, so consider starting with a larger area or planning to expand the brooder. When fully feathered, the birds can move to transitional housing outdoors.
Providing Food and Water
From day one, turkey poults require access to clean, fresh water and food. For the first couple of days I add a product called Poultry Booster to their water to help them recover from the stress of travel and a new environment.
Shallow waterers designed for chicks will prevent drowning, as poults can be clumsy in their first days. Dip each poult’s beak into the water when you first place them in the brooder to encourage drinking. This simple act can help them learn where the water is and how to drink it.
A high-protein feed is essential for their diet. Turkey poults need more protein than chicks, so providing a starter feed with 28-30% protein is important. This ensures they get the necessary nutrients for rapid growth. We use tray feeders, the same ones we use for chicks, with good success.
Here at Altamont Farms, we use Kalmbach Feeds. With non-GMO options, Kalmbach offers products that match our farming philosophy. We have been having good luck with this feed for turkeys and guinea fowl.
Monitoring Health and Behavior
We advise that you monitor birds closely regardless of age. However, it is accurate to say that weak birds and health issues will be especially noticeable during the initial days and weeks. We open the barn where the brooder is housed at 0530 and check for problem birds, water, and food levels. If the temperature in the brooder is 95 degrees or above, the heat lamp(s) will be turned off. This is an excellent time to hand-select birds and do a detailed visual inspection.
Common issues include pasty butt, where droppings stick to the vent, causing blockages. If you notice this, gently clean the area with warm water and dry it thoroughly. Another common issue is dehydration, which can be fatal if not addressed quickly. Ensure that poults drink regularly by observing their behavior and checking their water levels.
It's also essential to monitor their behavior. Healthy poults should be active, curious, and eating and drinking frequently. If you notice any lethargy, lack of appetite, or excessive huddling, check the temperature and overall environment. Sometimes, simple adjustments like lowering the heat or changing the bedding can make a significant difference.
Socialization and Handling
While turkey poults should be handled gently to avoid stress, early socialization is essential. We check our birds a minimum of six times each day, and at each opportunity, spend time with them to familiarize them with us and to handle them. This helps them get used to human interaction, making them easier to manage as they grow. Gentle handling also allows you to check each poult for signs of injury or illness.
Conclusion
Caring for one-day-old turkey poults requires attention to detail, a warm and safe environment, and a focus on nutrition. You can ensure that your poults thrive during these crucial first weeks by setting up a proper brooder, providing the right food and water, and closely monitoring their health. With proper care, they’ll grow into healthy, robust turkeys that will reward you with their hardiness and vitality.
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