How Easy is it To Keep One or Two Turkeys?

Keeping turkeys can be a rewarding experience if you have the right space and are prepared to meet their specific needs. Unlike smaller poultry such as chickens or ducks, turkeys require more room, sturdy housing, and attentive care, but they make wonderful pets and provide fresh eggs with a distinctive flavour.

Introduction to Turkey Keeping

Turkeys are sizeable birds that have been part of UK poultry farming since the 15th century, when they were introduced from Spain. They are often associated with Christmas dinners but can be kept year-round as unique pets or for their rich eggs.

For those considering adding turkeys to their backyard flock, understanding their behaviour, space, and dietary requirements is essential for responsible ownership.

Choosing and Housing Turkeys

When keeping turkeys, the first consideration is space. Turkeys need significantly more room than chickens; ideally, allow 4 to 6 square feet of indoor space per bird and 10 to 20 square feet outdoors for free-ranging and foraging. For example, a small flock of two or three turkeys would require an adequately sized housing area, such as a 6 x 8-foot shed, which provides shelter from harsh weather.

Ventilation is crucial to prevent dampness and respiratory problems, but avoid draughts which upset turkeys. The flooring should be covered with wood shavings to absorb moisture and reduce risks such as bumblefoot, a painful foot condition turkeys may develop without proper flooring.

Turkeys enjoy perching, so provide sturdy, wide perches to support their larger size. Be cautious with young poults as their chest bones are delicate; limit their early perch use to avoid injury.

Feeding and Care of Turkeys

Turkeys have similar dietary needs to other poultry but require special attention if you keep young poults. Poults need a high-protein diet to support healthy growth, which means many standard poultry feeds are unsuitable for them. Proper nutrition helps prevent growth issues.

Mature turkeys do well on a maintenance diet, and access to clean, fresh water at all times is essential. Turkeys can be messy eaters, so regular cleaning of feeding and drinking containers is vital to reduce disease risks.

Behaviour and Handling

Turkeys are naturally inquisitive and can become very friendly when treated kindly. They are known for being good watchdogs, often better than geese at alerting to strangers. However, some can show aggression, so proper handling and positive interaction from an early age are important.

As large birds, turkeys need time outdoors but must have shelter from wind, rain, snow, and heat. Providing ample protected space encourages natural behaviours like foraging and roosting, supporting their well-being.

Responsible Turkey Keeping

Keeping turkeys demands year-round care, just like any other flock. Organise trusted help in advance if planning to be away, as turkeys require daily attention for feeding, watering, and health monitoring.

There is growing concern about the conservation of traditional UK turkey breeds, with organisations such as the Turkey Club UK promoting their protection and responsible breeding. Supporting such efforts ensures the longevity of these wonderful birds for future generations of keepers.

Summary and Next Steps

To keep one or two turkeys successfully, ensure you have:

• Sufficient indoor and outdoor space with secure, well-ventilated housing
• A proper diet suited to the bird’s age, especially for poults
• Knowledge of turkey behaviour and needs for socialisation and health
• Plans for daily care and contingency for absences
• Awareness of conservation and ethical practices

With these in place, turkeys can be delightful, hardy additions to a backyard or smallholding. For those interested in acquiring turkeys, visit turkeys for sale from reputable breeders, ensuring healthy birds and responsible sourcing.