Turkey care

Turkeys are large, curious and surprisingly social birds. They need more space than chickens, higher and sturdier perches and, especially when young, more protein.

Class: Bird
Group: Poultry

Quick care summary

The care essentials for Turkeys.

Housing and spacePlenty of space: Turkeys are big birds and need much more room than chickens, both indoors and outdoors.
Feeding routinePoults: Young turkeys have high protein needs and should be fed a turkey starter.
WaterClean water must always be available.
Daily careCheck turkeys every day for appetite, movement and behaviour.

In depth

In short

Turkeys need more space and sturdier perches than chickens.
Young turkeys (poults) should be fed a high-protein turkey starter.
They are social birds and get used to people easily.
They are sensitive to heat; shade and plenty of water are essential.
Ask an expert before keeping them in the same area as chickens.

Turkeys are large domestic birds originally from North America. Curious and social, they easily get used to their keepers and may follow them around. Males display by fanning their tail feathers and gobbling.

Housing and space

Plenty of space: Turkeys are big birds and need much more room than chickens, both indoors and outdoors.
Sturdy perches: Provide wide perches that can take their weight and are not too high off the ground.
Predator protection: Close the house securely, especially for young birds and at night.
Clean, dry bedding: Keep bedding dry and refresh it regularly.

Feeding routine

Poults: Young turkeys have high protein needs and should be fed a turkey starter. Chick starter is not always enough.
Adults: Balanced turkey feed can be supplemented with grazing and greens.
Grit: Turkeys eating whole grains can be given fine grit.

Water

Clean water must always be available. Drinkers for poults should be shallow so they cannot fall in and get soaked.

Daily care

Check turkeys every day for appetite, movement and behaviour.
Keep drinkers and feeders clean.
Keep bedding dry and clean it regularly.

Turkeys live in flocks with a ranking. Males can be aggressive towards each other in the breeding season. Enough space and things to do reduce tension.

Seasonal care

Turkeys are sensitive to heat; provide shade, ventilation and cool water in summer. Poults need a sheltered, heated area in their first weeks.

Good to know

The most important points.

Health programmeTurkeys can differ from chickens in their susceptibility to some diseases. Ask a local veterinarian before keeping turkeys with chickens, and about vaccinations and parasite control. Get help without delay if something seems out of the ordinary.