[Connor]

Does anyone fatten up turkeys for christmas if so is it profitable and what are the basics of turkey rearing? Including prices of item needed for them e.g feed prices?
thanks

[Clansman]

I've got 12 for Christmas and the freezer.

They cost me roughly £6 each at around 6 weeks old

I reckon I'll spend approx £150 on feed, I get a 25Kg bag of turkey feed for about £10

So £200-£250 in total for 12 turkeys = around £16-20 each.

Keep them away from chickens to cut down the blackhead risk.

They like to free range and eat a lot of grass and leaves, they can fly a bit and will roost high up if they can.

[Daisys Mum]

As well as flying a bit they love shiny cars and windows.

[leaswood]

new to small holding and new to turkeys..I bought 5 at 7.50 at 8 weeks. They are kept in a large pen of grass and i throw fruit and veg in on a daily basis from the garden, some they eat some they dont. I used a No1 feed from the off and the five got through three 25kg bags at £8.33 each. I progressed to a No 2 last week and they are 3/4 through this 25kg bag at £8.55. I will buy one more bag and then a finishing food.

I am aiming to sell four just to my immediate neighbours, already had orders..I will be looking for an average of £8 per kilo that should deliver me £48 per 6kg bird..giving me a total income of £192 with my feed costs off that leaves a surplus of £130 approx..plus i have my own turkey for the table.

My birds currently weigh, 8.1kg, 8.0kg, 7.45kg, 7kg, 6.8kg

not a great deal of money for the effort but really enjoyed the experience.