Turkeys are large North American bird of the genus Meleagris, with the wild turkey being the ancestor of the domesticated turkey. These omnivorous birds are ground foragers, feeding on nuts, berries, and insects, and are known for the male’s elaborate courtship display, which involves puffing up feathers and gobbling. They roost in trees at night and are notable for their distinctive bare heads and necks, which vary in color, and the males’ unique “snood” a fleshy growth over the beak.
Turkey farming
Turkey farming involves raising turkeys for meat or other products, requiring careful attention to housing, feeding, and health. Key steps include preparing suitable housing that protects turkeys from the elements and predators, providing a high-protein diet adjusted for age, ensuring constant access to clean water, and managing their health to prevent diseases. Farmers can start with day-old poults, growers, or adults and must balance flock size with available space to prevent overcrowding.
Turkey deworming
One of the easiest ways to lose money in turkey farming is not paying attention to worms.
Think of it this way, your birds eat well every day, but instead of growing, they’re looking thin, weak, and slow. Why? Because unseen parasites in their intestines are stealing the nutrients.
I once visited a farmer who complained about his turkeys eating like giants but still looking like dwarfs. When I checked, the issue wasn’t feed quality but worms.
Heres what you as a turkey farmer should do to prevent this.
- Deworm your turkeys every 2–3 months.
- Use quality dewormers recommended for poultry.
- Always give clean water during and after treatment.
Here are signs your birds need to dewormed:
- Poor growth despite good feeding
- Pale combs and wattles
- Loose droppings
- General weakness
Source: ibkfarms