First Time Turkeys

[RidgebackRanch]

Thanks MontyJ, I split the top and put hinges on today and added some light.

Now it is easier to open and take care of business.

They seem to be rather calm and very curious and respond to my calls that poorly mimic their own calls. As for handling they are ok with it and really don't panic when the giant hand from the sky pays them a visit. We still don't know the sex of any of them yet but time will tell.

As for you raising turkeys, maybe you could get the voices in your head to "discuss/argue" with your wife's voices.... it usually doesn't hurt to try something new.

That was an attempt to illustrate that discussion...

 

[Smart Red]

We have never raised turkeys but I have always wanted to. One thing I have read is that you have to be careful about cross contamination between chickens and turkeys. Turkeys are vulnerable to a disease that chickens carry that will kill a turkey. They are very dumb and will trample each other if frightened.

That disease is Blackhead. Carried by chickens with no ill effects, but crosses to turkeys that are raised with chicken. Not always a problem if there is plenty of room as the turkeys should gather away from the chickens.

Wild turkeys are beautiful and intelligent. A noble bird that Ben Franklin preferred over the bald eagle as our national icon. That brainpower is missing in most domesticated turkey breeds. Would they drown in a rainstorm? I doubt it.

 

[MontyJ]

As for you raising turkeys, maybe you could get the voices in your head to "discuss/argue" with your wife's voices.... it usually doesn't hurt to try something new.

That was an attempt to illustrate that discussion...

That won't work. The only thing my voices know how to say is "Yes Dear."

 

[RidgebackRanch]

Well the turkeys are FINALLY out of the house. Did you know that turkey poults are the size of adult chickens at 7 weeks? I didn't.

Now the coop is refurbished and 95% done.

All new plywood walls and new doors. Finished construction and got two coats or primer on just before sunset.
They get to stay in for a couple of days until I redo the fencing and add some shade fabric.
Also there is a new squatter. A skunk has taken up residence under the coop. Any tips on how to get it to somewhere else with killing it?

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

do you mean without killing it? i don't think the skunk will harm the turkeys but i haven't had that run in with one going after my chickens yet. i know some others have that issue. the only thing i can think of to help you catch it alive would be a 'have a heart' trap and see if it is legal to relocate it in your area. i know my parents years ago had issues with a momma skunk taking up residence under their shed. she had 8 little ones if i remember right. cost them a fortune to have a guy come and set up his trap and remove them every few days. he wasn't catching them all at one time, he did catch 2 of the babies in 1 trap which saved some $$$. momma was one of the first to get trapped and babies were big enough they were learning to forage so they got trapped quickly.

if you do get a trap get one intended for small game. the reason is so when the skunk gets trapped it cannot flip its tail to spray you. i think the guy used peanut butter and marshmallows to entice them to go into the traps. place it close to the entrance the skunk has dug. once the skunk is gone dig a trench around the coop and use a good wire fence material to attach and bury it along the sides to keep any other critters from trying to get under that coop.

 

[RidgebackRanch]

I do have a trap that will work and I agree the skunk and the turkeys could probably live together with no problems. The issue is that we have three dogs and that is a lot of bathing if they get sprayed. Been there done that, not fun. When this is finally over hardware cloth will surround the base and be filled in with dirt.

 

[vfem]

I think it looks wonderful!

I say Turkeys someday... but hubby says NO! hehehe

 

[canesisters]

That is a VERY nice coop! Lucky turkeys. What color are you planning to put over that primer?

I agree that a skunk will most likely not bother half grown turkeys. They will, however feast on any eggs. And any time that you find yourself having to pop down to the coop near or after dark will be an ADVENTURE. Not to mention that they will soon discover the feeder and eat you our of coop and home.

Also, Chickie is right. It may be against the law to re-locate them so check with 'the powers that be'.

 

[peteyfoozer]

We don't have a turkey coop and I coveT yours, which is disturbing to me because now I have a ...

PEEPING TOM!!

A coop would be awesome then i could have my greenhouse all to myself! Maybe next year...love yours!

 

[lesa]

That coop looks perfect, Ridge! And I love the peeping Tom, Petey! How cute is that? I did catch a skunk that was under my coop. It was actually inside the coop one night- imagine my surprise when I opened the door in the morning and out fell a skunk! I used the have a heart type trap. Used peanut butter, on homemade bread with a little dried cat food sprinkled on! I had the trap covered in a blanket- just in case of spraying. What you do with the skunk after that- is up to you..