[minibn]

Good evening

I would like some advice about keeping chickens and turkeys together.

I currently have seven ex battery hens and a bantum cockrel. I was looking at getting a couple of turkeys, however i have read that they are unable to be kept together. Is this true? My chickens live in a converted garden shed which is in a 25-30m run. I am planning on extending the run soon to make a bit more room for any more chickens and some turkeys hopefully.

I am planning on getting another garden shed to convert into turkey accommodation, so the chickens and turkeys would only share a run. I have heard that chickens can give turkeys black head? What causes this? Is there any age either in chickens or turkeys which makes them less susceptible to black head.

Any advice welcomed

Thank you

Emily

[Beewyched]

Hi Emily 
We have both chickens & turkeys that free-range together during the day, but the chucks go into their house of a night & the turkeys roost in & about the decrepid outbuildings surrounding the yard.
I'm not 100% sure what Blackhead is, though I have heard it mentioned a few times, but we don't seem to have had an occurrence of it (    ).
Just a few words of advice - our turkeys don't like being shut-in for the night & would much rather perch on the landrover & sh*te all over it    Also, I would avoid getting the white "commercial" breed, as they do not do well outside - Norfolk, Bourbon or Crollwitzer would be more likely to thrive.

[Fowlman]

If you want to keep chickens and turkeys together you will need to worm the chickens regularly otherwise blackhead can raise its ugly head. Some people keep them together for years with no problems. Watch your stocking numbers.

[HelenVF]

We keep chickens and turkeys together but do keep on top of worming.  I would google blackhead for more info about it.

Helen