Introduction
Turkey a large attractive bird is grown for table purpose and eggs. These robust birds are easy to raise. They can be reared as free-rangers or in a deep litter system. In other countries, a medium-size white breed is grown extensively in deep litter systems similar to the ones used for poultry. In India and many south-east Asian countries, the multi-hued large turkey is more common.
Housing and management
The large birds need more space in confinement, as much as three times the space required by poultry. There should be more head room, special perches and good cross ventilation in the sheds. The principles of management of turkeys in respect of nutrition, housing, rearing, prevention of diseases and breeding are basically the same as those followed for other poultry. As they are robust and large, they need more space, feed and water than other poultry. Turkey breeds in about three years and for best results hens should be mated with cocks of the same age. These birds are rared the same way as geese, and needs less attention. It can be grown in small holdings ideally recycling organic residues of intensively integrated farms.
Housing for turkeys should be should be built at a higher level and is of the same size as geese. Perches should be provided at a height of 0.6 m above ground and the average height of the roof should be provided with a floor space of 0.74 square metre. As a rule, one turkey requires three times the space occupied by a fowl.
Artificial light is often provided for stags before keeping them with the hens. Brooding hens are also reared under this light for four weeks. This helps in early egg production. Special saddles may be provided on the back of the breeding has to prevent injury by the stags. This will increase the fertility rate. Nutritious diets are given to the breeding stock.
Turkey eggs can be hatched in an incubator or under a hen. Hatching is similar to those of other poultry. The eggs hatch in about 28 days. The birds should be reared on dry ground. For the first two weeks, chicks should be confined to a small run and after four weeks they may be allowed to follow the broody hen. The chicks should be protected till eight weeks of age. The fowls should be intensively housed up to 12 weeks and then allowed to move on to a free ranging system.
Ag.
Technologies
(Poultry
Mgmt.)
