What is the best food for turkey poults?
Food Turkey poults need high-protein chick starter or game bird starter for their first 8 weeks. The protein level of the feed should be between 24% and 28%. From 8 to 16 weeks, you can switch to game bird feed, with between 20% and 24% protein.
Can You butcher a Turkey after it has eaten feed?
The whole reason to pen the birds off of feed is to keep them from eating extra feed that will make the digestive tract full and a bit harder to work around during butchering. You can process the turkey at anytime, even if the bird has just eaten feed.
What should I Feed my 5 week old Turkey?
If at 5 weeks old you still have half a bag of high protein turkey starter, just feed it till it is gone and switch when you buy a new bag. At about 13 weeks or so, your turkeys can start eating a regular turkey or game bird feed. At this stage, you can start feeding a lower percentage protein.
How do you feed treats to turkeys?
Treats 1 Hang fruits or vegetables. This is especially easy with fruits and vegetables that have a stem of some sort. ... 2 Load a Net with Treats. Visit your local party store and look for a decorative fish net (like this one on Amazon.com ). ... 3 Use a Suet Cage. ... 4 Feed Turkeys Treats by Hand. ...
How long do you raise turkeys before butchering?
Butchering, Processing, And Cooking Turkey With that being said, at 16-22 weeks they should be weighing at around 12-14 pounds. A heritage breed turkey will mature at 25-30 weeks. So when you have determined they have reached the appropriate weight, you will pull your turkeys out and butcher them.
What do you feed turkeys?
FEED turkeys cracked or whole kernel corn, sunflower seeds, oats, wheat, or non-medicated commercial poultry or turkey rations. FEED turkeys daily by broadcasting food at a rate of 2 large handfuls (or 1/2 cup) per turkey per day.
How long should a turkey rest after butchering?
The packing station – the best way to handle the meat after butchering is to let it sit on ice or in the fridge for 24 hours before placing it in the freezer. If you don't have enough room in your fridge, you will need a large cooler and a couple of bags of ice. If you'd like, you can break apart your turkey.
What kind of grain do you feed turkeys?
Provide cracked corn, millet, milo, wheat, oats, or other seeds and grains. Wild turkeys are not picky and will readily eat less expensive birdseed mixes or will eat the waste seed scattered beneath bird feeders.
Do turkeys eat alfalfa pellets?
Adding timothy hay pellets can also provide roughage without a lot of calories. As these birds are bred to be large, food intake should be restricted with extra greens (pasture, alfalfa, grain sprouts, lettuce, cabbage, swiss chard) and roughage. Turkeys also love fruit, but it should be given in limited quantities.
What should you not feed turkeys?
Here is some food that you should not feed to turkeys:Low-Quality chicken feed.Dairy foods.Onions.Raw meat.Chocolate.Processed foods.Fruit pits and seeds.Tomato and eggplant leaves.More items...
How do you prepare a turkey after killing it?
If it's been a few hours since the kill, you'll want to dip the bird in hot water between 140° and 180°. This hot water bath will scald the feathers and make them easier to pull off without tearing the skin. Plus, the feathers will be damp, so they won't fly around while you're working.
How long does rigor mortis last in turkeys?
The time for rigor mortis completion in fillets from unstunned turkeys has been reported to be 143 min, compared with 314 min in stunned birds (Ma and Addis, 1973). Abbreviation Key: ATP = adenosine triphosphate; PM = postmortem.
How long can a fresh butchered turkey stay in the fridge?
Fresh turkeys can be stored safely in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below for up to two days, or in the freezer at 0 degreeindefinitely. For freezing, it is recommended that the meat is packaged tightly in heavy duty aluminum foil or freezer-grade bags.
Is corn good for turkey?
Since wild turkeys are a ground-feeding type, sprinkling cracked corn in an open area of dirt is a sufficient way to attract them. Seeds- Another easily attainable food source, seeds provide even more nutrition for wild turkeys. Mixing seeds and cracked corn makes a great spread out meal.
What do turkeys like to eat the most?
Preferred foods of wild turkeys In the spring, they tend to eat leaves and grasses, and in the fall, they feed more on fruits, berries, seeds and insects. Acorns are a crucial source of nutrients for wild turkeys, especially in the wintertime.
Can turkeys eat whole corn?
Whole corn is an excellent choice if you want to feed them. Cracked corn works good too but tends to get covered up quickly if it is snowing or blowing. I've found they also like alfalfa hay, strange as it might seem. They get right into it and eat the green leaves and flowers.
What is the biggest obstacle to overcome in turkey butchering?
For us, the biggest obstacle to overcome in our turkey butchering operation is always the initial kill. With our chickens, we use a special killing cone which I prefer since it is a more humane option. Holding a bird upside down tends to sedate them a bit, and the cone shape keeps them from flopping around.
How long to let a turkey sit in hot water?
To scald a turkey, plunge it into the hot water (145-155 degrees F) and let it sit for 3-4 minutes. I like to swirl it around a bit to give the water a chance to permeate all the surfaces and feathers. You’ll know it’s ready to pluck when you pull on the tail feathers and they come off easily.
How long to freeze a 89 lb turkey?
As with any freshly butchered meat, it’s important to get it cold as quickly as possible. We like to do this by immediately placing the cleaned birds into a cooler filled with ice water. If you have a fridge big enough, that works too. (But who has fridge space for an 89-pound turkey? Not me.) Some folks leave the birds in the ice water for 1-2 days before wrapping for the freezer. We usually leave them as long as the ice will last (at least 6 hours, though). Once they are completely chilled, use heat shrink bags or freezer wrap to cover them (if you’re using bags, they should come with instructions), and pop them into the freezer.
How to get rid of a gizzard?
Cut right above the vent, and tear open the carcass with both hands. Put your hand into the carcass, pull the fat off the gizzard, and then hook your finger down and around the esophagus. Pull this out– you should have a handful of connected internal organs now (as you can see above).
What is cover crop?
Cover crops are an incredibly underutilized, very affordable way to fertilize your soil, decrease erosion, and increase organic matter. Learn which crops are best for your garden, plus a step-by-step process so you know exactly WHEN and HOW to plant them!
How to cut off a turkey head and legs?
The process is exactly the same for chickens.) After you’re done plucking, rinse the bird with cool water, then cut off the head and legs with poultry shears or a knife. There is an oil gland on the back end of the turkey that will cause the meat to have an unpleasant taste if it bursts.
What to feed a turkey to fatten it up?
This can come in the form of a starter or grower feed. For fattening up a turkey, using a 30% protein gamebird feed will likely give the best results.
What do turkeys eat?
In the wild turkeys eat insects, fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, plants, and small vertebrate animals. Acorns are a particular favorite during the wintertime when other food sources are scarce. Wild turkeys will use their feet, like chickens do, to scratch up worms, snails, and seeds to the surface.
Why are turkeys considered commercial birds?
Because turkeys (and chickens) are commercial birds, turkey growers and universities have put millions of dollars into research to ensure that they grow strong and healthy. For meat birds, rations are typically formulated so they grow to their maximum potential but not so fast as to cause issues with their health.
How to get turkeys to be more friendly?
Feeding your turkey treats by hand is a great way to get your birds to become more friendly and used to you. They will learn that not only do you not hurt them, coming close to you usually means they get some kind of yummy treat!
When to start feeding chickens a low protein diet?
At around 5 weeks of age you can start feeding a lower protein feed. Typically, this type of feed is found in feed stores called a “grower” feed. Traditional chick starter (the kind sold for chickens) also has this protein level if you are unable to find a turkey or game bird specific product at your feed store.
When can turkeys start eating game bird feed?
At about 13 weeks or so, your turkeys can start eating a regular turkey or game bird feed. At this stage, you can start feeding a lower percentage protein. As far as commercial poultry feeds go, typically the lower the total percentage protein in the feed, the less expensive it is.
What to feed a turkey to gain weight?
Consider adding corn and oats to your turkey’s diet in larger quantities. Corn is especially good for weight gain but typically results in birds putting on fat and not muscle. Even so, it is good to offer different types of food to encourage the bird to eat more.
Step-by-step Process on How to Butcher a Turkey – An Ultimate Guide
Now the time is to master the skill. Most people do not choose to learn turkey butchering due to its big size. A well-grown and healthy broad-breasted turkey could be 20-30 lbs. The size is enough to terrify people.
Mistakes to Avoid While Butchering Your Turkey
It’s natural to butcher a turkey for the first time and find it very overwhelming to handle this massive bird.
How big should a turkey get at 22 weeks?
At 22 weeks. those birds should be fairly large, almost like 46 pounds and more. at 18 weeks, mine were 42.5, of course it depends on if you have the bronze or the whites. whites tend to get a little larger/require less time to get large. What we do to add fat, is a week or two before your butcher date, is to switch their food to Turkey Finisher. It should have a 18% protein, or around there. and have a larger fat content. also if you have been feeding them turkey starter/grower, its medicated to protect agianst coccidiosis. So, its always good to give them some withdrawl time from all medication, even if it doesn't require a withdrawl time.
Why is grass feed high in Omega 3?
Grass feed animals are highier in Omega 3 because they eat seeds. Corn is often feed to fatten because of the high fat. But that defeats the whole purpose and makes your meat high in Omega 6, making it the same as store bought food. I think the type of fat you feed is something to think about if health is a concern.
What to do with turkey poults after purchase?
Brooder. After you purchase your turkey poults (babies), you will need to keep them in a brooder, similar to a chick brooder. You can make one out of a big box, or kiddie pool, or you can buy one. Pine shavings are ideal for bedding in the brooder. When it gets used up, you can toss these in your compost pile.
Why do turkeys need grit?
Grit. Turkeys, like any poultry, need grit to digest their food. Since they don’t have teeth, grit is kept in their crops to help grind up the food so it more easily passes to the stomach. If your turkeys free-range, they will most likely get their own grit in the form of small pieces of gravel and sand.
How much space do turkeys need?
Each turkey will need about 6 square feet in their coop. Turkeys also don’t need to have quite the amount of protection that chickens do.
How long do turkey poults stay in heat?
A good quality heat lamp is essential for your little birds, and a thermometer is very helpful. Turkey poults need it to be 95 degrees for their first week of life, then reduced by 5 degrees each week thereafter. After approximately 6 weeks, or when they are fully feathered, they can go outside.
What is a broad breasted turkey?
Broad Breasted turkeys are the ones you typically find at your local feed store or hatchery. They grow fast and have lots of meat on their chest (hence the name, broad breasted!). Typically they are not able to reproduce, and their life span is naturally shorter.
What is heritage turkey?
Heritage breed turkeys are closer to their wild relatives. They grow slower, but they are also able to reproduce on their own. There are quite a few heritage breeds, including Royal Palm, Blue Slate, Bourbon Red, Black Spanish, and Midget White.
How long do you leave a white feathered bird in the fridge?
Once the plucking is done, you need to get the bird fully cooled. It is best to leave the cleaned bird in a fridge for about 24 hours to rest.
How long can you keep turkeys in the hatchery?
Of course, you can raise turkeys anytime of the year that they are available from the hatchery, as long as you have a place to keep them warm and safe. If you are going to raise the broad breasted turkeys, you’ll have more options with the dates, since you will only have them for 4-5 months.
What is the best turkey for growth?
If you are looking for growth, broad breasted turkeys are your top choice. Nothing else will compare in terms of the amount of meat you’ll get for the money you put into the poult and the feed. If you are raising turkeys just for a great meat animal, go for the broad breasted birds.
How old is a turkey to butcher?
The best age to butcher a Broad Breasted Tur key is 16-20 weeks, for heritage breed turkeys it’s 24-28 weeks. Congratulations! Home raised turkey will really up your skills and confidence, not to mention your holiday meals! We’ll dig into some of the things you need to know to get the well grown turkey you want for the dates you need!
What is the breed number of a broad breasted white turkey?
24.14. These numbers are for Broad Breasted White turkeys, not heritage birds. Of course, you can raise a heritage breed for meat as long as you are okay with a smaller carcass that will take longer to finish.
What are the characteristics of a broad breasted turkey?
Broad Breasted turkeys have been heavily selected for the traits that make them stellar confinement turkeys, fast growth, tons of breast meat and white feathers. While all of these traits are impressive, they come at a cost of Broad Breasted turkeys needing more exacting feed and not being able to naturally breed.
How long does it take for a turkey to grow?
Turkeys are processed at 16 weeks. Most of the meat turkeys that you would be growing for meat are Broad Breasted Whites or Bronze, since these are buy far the fastest growing turkeys available. The choice to process at 16 weeks up to 20 weeks (or even longer if you want a massive bird), is based on how big of a bird you want to cook ...
How much does a Heritage turkey weigh?
Heritage turkeys vary in mature weights. Some of the heritage turkeys grow to 30 pounds (Chocolate toms) but do not have a market weight listed. Others toms are at 16-23 pounds market weight (Royal Palms and Bourbon Reds) with a mature weight of 22-33.
How much space does a sunporch need?
The entire sunporch is raised about 3 feet off the ground. About half of the pen is roofed over to protect the birds from rain and direct sunlight, and roosts are provided. Each bird requires about 5 square feet of space. Floors can be made of 1-1/2 inch mesh made of heavy gauge wire.
Why do turkeys go wild on July 4th?
Turkeys are easily frightened – an acquaintance of mine who raised turkeys commercially went wild every Fourth of July because the fireworks in a nearby village invariably sent thousands of birds piling up in corners where they would suffocate unless he waded in and un-piled them.
What is the best medicine for turkeys?
One of the remedies used by commercial growers is phenothiazine. However, taking steps to prevent the disease when you’re raising backyard turkeys, such as having a raised sunporch, is a more acceptable control measure for organic homesteaders.
What is the best food for a turkey?
Rape and alfalfa, as well as lettuce, cabbage, and most any other garden greens, all provide good food for turkeys. As much as 25 percent of the ration can be greens, which can enable you to compete price-wise with the commercial grower. The turkey pen is another place to make good use of excess milk from your goat herd.
What is a floor made of?
Floors can be made of 1-1/2 inch mesh made of heavy gauge wire. Supports made of wire attached to turnbuckles can be kept taut and will prevent the floor from sagging. Another type of floor can be made of 1-1/2 inch square strips of lumber spaced 1-1/2 inches apart.
How much feed does it take to grow a turkey?
It takes about four pounds of feed to grow a pound of turkey. For the home flock, so little feed will be used that it will hardly pay to mix the meat scraps, minerals, and other ingredients needed for a balanced ration. It will be more economical to buy prepared feed.
What breed of turkey is easier to dress?
Later the white breeds became popular (white poultry of any kind is easier to dress) and still later, smaller turkey breeds were developed, which helped promote the turkey as an “everyday” meat.
How to tell if scalding has loosened feathers?
You can tell when the scalding has loosened the feathers enough because they will come off easily if you run your hand over them. Scald the feet too if you wish to save them for making stock. You may add a drop or two of dish soap to the scalding water to help the water penetrate into the feathers.
How to get rid of a gizzard?
Used with permission. Pull the intestines out slowly to prevent breaking them. Next, you will stick your hand down into the body cavity and pull out the gizzard and liver. After the intestines, you will find the gizzard and liver will usually pull out together.
How to remove a drumstick from a foot?
Remove the feet by cutting through the skin and ligaments at the joint where the drumstick and scaley part of the leg meet. You don’t want to cut through bone, just through the tissue that holds the joint together.
How to get yellow lining off gizzard?
Cut the gizzard open to peel away the yellow lining…rinse thoroughly to get all the grit off. When you cut the gizzard open, it will be filled with stones and possibly food. Used with permission. You need to peel away the tough, yellow lining of the gizzard. Used with permission.
How long to dunk a scalding bird?
The water temperature should be between 145F and 150F. Carefully dunk the bird in the hot water for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
How to cool down a bird carcass?
At this point, I rinse the whole carcass thoroughly, as well as the bits and pieces. Run cold water over the bird and into the body cavity to help cool it down. The remaining body heat can cause bacteria to multiply if you don’t cool it down quickly. Thoroughly wash the carcass with cold water to chill the meat .
How to make a brine for a turkey?
To make a brine solution, use 1 cup of sea salt to 2 gallons water. Add honey, maple syrup, or sugar and poultry seasonings such as sage, thyme, and rosemary for flavor. Soaking your bird in a brine solution overnight will produce a juicier bird. This is a Black Slate heritage turkey.
