2022
Raising Turkeys
So, you want to raise some turkeys? No problem! There are some facts you need to keep in mind when deciding how to set up your flock, as well as how you want to raise them.
Commercial breeds will reach market weights faster and yield more end-product.
Heritage breeds tend to be hardier and capable of more natural behavior.
Heritage breeds take 24 to 28 weeks to get to market weight. Commercial breeds take around 18 to 20 weeks to get to market weight.
For heritage breeds, Toms will reach a peak weight of 17 to 22 pounds, while hens will be around 8 to 10 pounds. For commercial breeds, Toms will weigh in at 20-22 pounds, with hens at 12-15 pounds.
For commercial markets, 20-22 pounds is the ideal market weight. A turkey will retain 75% of its live weight after processing. Thus, if your turkey weighs 30 pounds live, it will weigh right at 22.5 pounds dressed with giblets.
Top commercial breeds: Broad-breasted white, Bronze Heritage
Top heritage breeds: Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Standard Bronze
These farms actively monitor for disease and will provide you with certified, healthy birds.
The first two weeks of raising your birds will be the hardest. It is a good idea to give them sugar water or Gatorade when they first arrive, as shipping is really hard on them. You need to check them as often as time allows each day, keeping a close eye on the temperature. The temperature needs to remain at 95 degrees the first week. The temperature is reduced by 5 degrees each subsequent week until room temperature is reached.