The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Connor on February 20, 2014, 10:28:11 pm

Title: Turkey time is coming
Post by: Connor on February 20, 2014, 10:28:11 pm
I have to order my turkry chicks for xmas time and was wondering what houses should I use would a house made out of pallets work? Also do turkey break out a lot
Title: Re: Turkey time is coming
Post by: bigchicken on February 20, 2014, 10:40:52 pm
Fox proof lodgings would be needed dry and windproof would be helpful and yes they like to wander if given the chance, can get over a normal sheep fence with ease. I find them very easy to keep but the ones I've had were not blessed with a lot of brains and have to be put to bed every night.
Title: Re: Turkey time is coming
Post by: Kitchen Cottage on February 21, 2014, 06:44:01 am
I kept them once and set up some heras fencing which I bought for £5 a panel.  That kept them enclosed and was good for easily moving around.  I did let them free range in the summer and they were fine.  I won't bother again because after the costs, and being let down by 2 customers (I only had tem birds) it wasn't worth it to me. 
Title: Re: Turkey time is coming
Post by: Clansman on February 21, 2014, 09:17:47 am
I have to order my turkry chicks for xmas time and was wondering what houses should I use would a house made out of pallets work? Also do turkey break out a lot

How many are you getting Connor?
Title: Re: Turkey time is coming
Post by: Marches Farmer on February 21, 2014, 09:56:31 am
Game panels with game netting over the top will contain them fairly cheaply, but they'll need foxproof housing.  We bought a cheap basic 6 x 4 ft shed kit, put in a half-round fence pole perch and cut ventilation holes in the apex at both ends (chicken wired to prevent wild birds entering).  This did perfectly well for one of  our breeding quartets of Narragansetts over the summer.  We built the shed onto skids so we could move it around the field to fresh pasture and creosoted the whole thing and it's going strong three years later.