Raising a turkey for Christmas can be a rewarding experience, providing a sense of accomplishment and a delicious centrepiece for your festive meal. However proper care and nutrition are essential for ensuring your turkey is healthy and ready for Christmas.
Before acquiring your turkeys, ensure you have suitable housing. Turkeys require a clean, dry, and spacious environment. As well as a secure coop with adequate ventilation, access to plenty of space where they can forage and exercise is also crucial.
Consider whether you will be buying day-old birds, which require specialist brooding management including a supplementary heat source, or older birds that are around 6 weeks old. At this age they will be largely feathered, providing insulation and protection, and should be robust enough to grow on without an additional heat source.
Look for a breed that suit your needs. Popular choices include the Norfolk Black and Bronze turkeys, known for their rich flavour and traditional appearance. The Broad Breasted White is also a favourite for its rapid growth and meaty carcass. Other breeds like Bourbon Reds and Narragansetts, while less common, offer excellent taste and the opportunity to preserve rare breeds.
While turkeys and chickens can share the same range during the day, they should be housed separately at night. Turkeys are generally more docile than chickens but require more space per bird. They also require feeders and drinkers to be set at the correct height and so in practice, it can be simpler to house and manage turkeys separately from other poultry.
Proper nutrition is key to raising a healthy turkey. Turkeys should have access to food and fresh water at all times to grow naturally.
For the first six weeks, feed them a starter feed with 26-30% protein. After six weeks, transition them to a grower feed with around 20-22% protein. As they approach the last six weeks before Christmas, a finisher feed with 16-18% protein will help them build the necessary muscle and fat.
Supplements such as grit can be provided to aid digestion. Turkeys are natural foragers and will benefit from eating grass, seeds, insects, and other natural foods. This not only supplements their diet but also improves their overall health and flavour.
Maintaining the health of your turkeys is vital. Regularly clean their housing to prevent the buildup of waste and bacteria. Fresh water should be available at all times, and feeders should be kept clean to avoid mould and spoilage.
Monitor your turkeys for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or respiratory issues. Consider consulting a veterinarian experienced in poultry to create a health plan and establish good biosecurity practices.
Be mindful of disease transmission from other poultry, in particular Blackhead disease (histomoniasis). This is caused by a protozoa, which in turn can be carried by an intestinal worm carried by chickens. Turkeys are particularly susceptible to this disease and so worm burden should be monitored closely, with wormers used as necessary. Regular health checks and maintaining a clean environment can help mitigate this risk.
As Christmas approaches, monitor the weight and condition of your turkeys. About two to three weeks before butchering, reduce their stress by minimizing handling and disturbances.
Raising a turkey for Christmas can be a fulfilling venture that brings high-quality, home-grown food to your table. With proper care, nutrition, and attention, you can ensure your turkey is a highlight of your festive feast.
Contact our team for advice or find your local stockist.
