Are you looking to buy heritage turkey poults? You've come to the right place! Raising heritage turkeys can be an incredibly rewarding experience. These birds are known for their robust health, natural foraging abilities, and delicious flavor. But before you jump in, let's dive into everything you need to know to successfully raise heritage turkey poults.

Why Choose Heritage Turkeys?

Heritage turkeys are breeds that maintain genetic traits from the past, before the rise of industrial farming. Unlike broad-breasted white turkeys, which are bred for rapid growth and large breasts, heritage breeds grow at a more natural pace and can reproduce naturally. This makes them a sustainable choice for small farms and homesteads. Here's a breakdown of their key advantages:

Advantages of Heritage Turkeys

1. Superior Flavor: Heritage turkeys are renowned for their rich, complex flavor. Their meat is often described as having a more intense turkey taste compared to commercial breeds. This is due to their slower growth and more varied diet, which allows them to develop more flavor compounds in their muscles. If you're a foodie looking for the best-tasting turkey, heritage breeds are the way to go.
2. Natural Foraging: These turkeys are excellent foragers, meaning they can supplement their diet by eating insects, seeds, and plants. This reduces your feed costs and allows the turkeys to express their natural behaviors. Watching them forage in a pasture is not only entertaining but also beneficial for the land, as they help control pests and distribute manure.
3. Hardiness and Health: Heritage breeds are generally healthier and more resistant to disease than commercial breeds. Their genetic diversity makes them less susceptible to common poultry ailments. This means fewer vet bills and a higher survival rate for your flock. Their robust health also makes them a good choice for beginners who may not have a lot of experience with poultry.
4. Natural Reproduction: Unlike broad-breasted turkeys, heritage turkeys can reproduce naturally. This means you can hatch your own poults and maintain a self-sustaining flock. This is a huge advantage for anyone interested in long-term sustainability and independence. Plus, watching a mother turkey raise her young is a truly rewarding experience.
5. Conservation: By raising heritage turkeys, you're helping to preserve these historic breeds. Many heritage breeds are endangered, and their survival depends on farmers and homesteaders who are committed to raising them. You're not just raising turkeys; you're contributing to the conservation of agricultural biodiversity.

Popular Heritage Turkey Breeds

Choosing the right breed is crucial. Here are some popular heritage turkey breeds you might consider:

Narragansett Turkeys

Narragansett turkeys are known for their calm temperament and excellent mothering abilities. They are a medium-sized breed with a beautiful black, gray, and white plumage. Narragansetts are good foragers and adapt well to a variety of climates. They are also known for their good egg production, making them a dual-purpose breed. If you're looking for a friendly, productive turkey, the Narragansett is a great choice.

Bourbon Red Turkeys

Bourbon Red turkeys are prized for their beautiful reddish-brown plumage and excellent flavor. They are a medium-sized breed that originated in Kentucky. Bourbon Reds are known for their docile temperament and are relatively easy to handle. They are also good foragers and adapt well to pasture-based systems. If you want a turkey that's both beautiful and delicious, the Bourbon Red is an excellent option.

Bronze Turkeys

Bronze turkeys are one of the oldest and most popular heritage breeds. They are a large breed with a stunning bronze sheen to their feathers. Bronze turkeys are known for their excellent meat quality and are often raised for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. They are also good foragers and are relatively hardy. If you're looking for a traditional turkey with a lot of history, the Bronze is a great choice.

Black Spanish Turkeys

Black Spanish turkeys are a striking breed with glossy black feathers. They are a medium-sized breed that originated in Spain. Black Spanish turkeys are known for their active foraging and alert nature. They are also relatively heat-tolerant, making them a good choice for warmer climates. If you want a turkey that's both beautiful and functional, the Black Spanish is an excellent option.

White Holland Turkeys

White Holland turkeys are a classic breed with pure white feathers. They are a medium-sized breed that is known for its calm temperament and good meat quality. White Hollands are also relatively fast-growing compared to other heritage breeds. If you're looking for a turkey that's easy to handle and produces a good amount of meat, the White Holland is a great choice.

What to Look for When Buying Heritage Turkey Poults For Sale

When searching for "heritage turkey poults for sale," keep these factors in mind to ensure you're getting healthy, quality birds.

Health and Vigor

Choose poults that are active, alert, and free from any signs of illness. Look for bright eyes, clean vents, and no discharge from the nose or mouth. Healthy poults will be curious and responsive to their environment. Avoid poults that are lethargic, huddled together, or have ruffled feathers. These could be signs of illness or stress.

Reputable Breeders

Purchase from reputable breeders who can provide information about the poults' parentage and health history. Ask about their breeding practices, vaccination protocols, and any health issues that have occurred in their flock. A good breeder will be transparent and willing to answer your questions. Look for breeders who are members of heritage breed organizations or who participate in poultry shows. These are often good indicators of their commitment to quality.

Age of Poults

Consider the age of the poults. Younger poults (1-3 weeks old) require more intensive care, including supplemental heat and protection from predators. Older poults (4-8 weeks old) are more resilient but may be more expensive. Choose the age that best suits your experience level and available resources. If you're a beginner, you might want to start with older poults to increase your chances of success.

Breed Standards

Ensure the poults conform to the breed standards for their respective breed. This includes feather color, body shape, and size. While minor deviations are normal, avoid poults with significant deformities or disqualifying traits. Breed standards are important for maintaining the genetic integrity of heritage breeds. If you're planning to show your turkeys, conformity to breed standards is even more important.

Preparing for Your Heritage Turkey Poults

Before your heritage turkey poults arrive, it's essential to have everything ready. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

Brooder Setup

A brooder is a warm, safe enclosure for young poults. It should be draft-free and easy to clean. A common setup includes:

• Heat Lamp: Poults need supplemental heat for the first few weeks of their lives. Use a heat lamp with a red bulb to provide warmth without disturbing their sleep cycle. Monitor the temperature closely and adjust the height of the lamp as needed.
• Bedding: Cover the floor of the brooder with absorbent bedding, such as pine shavings or straw. Avoid cedar shavings, as they can be harmful to poultry. Change the bedding regularly to keep the brooder clean and dry.
• Feeder and Waterer: Provide small feeders and waterers that are designed for poultry. Make sure the poults can easily access the food and water without getting wet or dirty. Check the feeders and waterers daily and refill as needed.
• Space: Provide enough space for the poults to move around freely. Overcrowding can lead to stress and disease. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 1 square foot of space per poult for the first few weeks.

Feed and Water

Heritage turkey poults need a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth. Start with a commercial turkey starter feed that contains at least 28% protein. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. You can also supplement their diet with greens, such as chopped lettuce or spinach.

Predator Protection

Protect your poults from predators such as hawks, foxes, and raccoons. A secure pen or coop is essential. Cover the top of the pen with netting or wire to prevent aerial predators from getting in. Bury wire mesh around the perimeter of the pen to prevent digging predators from getting in. Check the pen regularly for any signs of damage or weakness.

Raising Heritage Turkey Poults: A Step-by-Step Guide

Week 1-4: Brooding

During the first four weeks, keep the poults in the brooder. Maintain a temperature of 95°F (35°C) for the first week, then gradually reduce the temperature by 5°F (3°C) each week until they are fully feathered. Observe the poults closely for any signs of illness or distress. Make sure they have access to fresh food and water at all times. Clean the brooder regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and ammonia.

Week 5-8: Gradual Transition

Gradually introduce the poults to the outdoors. Start with short periods of time on warm, sunny days. Provide a sheltered area where they can escape from the sun or rain. As they get older, gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors. By the time they are eight weeks old, they should be able to spend most of the day outdoors, weather permitting.

Week 9-24: Growing and Foraging

Continue to provide a balanced diet and access to pasture. Encourage foraging by scattering feed in the pasture. This will help them develop their natural foraging skills and reduce your feed costs. Monitor their weight and adjust their diet as needed. Provide plenty of space for them to roam and exercise. This will help them develop strong bones and muscles.

Week 24+: Maturity

By six months of age, your heritage turkeys will be nearing maturity. Continue to provide a balanced diet and access to pasture. If you plan to breed them, make sure you have a good ratio of hens to toms (usually 8-10 hens per tom). Provide nesting boxes for the hens to lay their eggs. Monitor their health and behavior closely. Be prepared to cull any birds that are not thriving or that are showing signs of illness.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Pasty Butt

Pasty butt is a common problem in young poults. It occurs when their droppings stick to their vent, blocking it and preventing them from defecating. To treat pasty butt, gently clean the vent with a warm, damp cloth. You may also need to trim the feathers around the vent. Make sure the poults are getting enough water and that their diet is balanced. Adding a probiotic to their water can also help prevent pasty butt.

Predator Attacks

Predator attacks can be devastating to a flock of heritage turkeys. To prevent predator attacks, make sure your turkeys are housed in a secure pen or coop. Cover the top of the pen with netting or wire to prevent aerial predators from getting in. Bury wire mesh around the perimeter of the pen to prevent digging predators from getting in. Consider using a livestock guardian dog or other deterrents to scare away predators.

Disease

Heritage turkeys are generally healthy, but they can still be susceptible to disease. To prevent disease, practice good biosecurity measures. This includes keeping your turkeys separate from other poultry, cleaning and disinfecting their housing regularly, and providing them with a balanced diet. If you suspect your turkeys are sick, consult with a veterinarian or poultry expert.

Where to Find Heritage Turkey Poults For Sale

Finding reputable sources for "heritage turkey poults for sale" is crucial. Here are a few options:

Local Breeders

Search for local breeders in your area. This allows you to visit their farm, see their birds, and ask questions in person. Local breeders are often more knowledgeable about the specific challenges and opportunities in your region. They may also be able to provide ongoing support and advice.

Online Hatcheries

Many online hatcheries specialize in heritage breeds. Be sure to research the hatchery's reputation and read reviews before placing an order. Look for hatcheries that offer a guarantee of live delivery and that test their birds for common diseases. Some popular online hatcheries include Murray McMurray Hatchery, Ideal Poultry, and Cackle Hatchery.

Poultry Shows and Sales

Attend poultry shows and sales in your area. This is a great way to see a variety of heritage breeds and meet breeders from different regions. Poultry shows and sales often have educational seminars and workshops where you can learn more about raising heritage turkeys.

Final Thoughts

Raising heritage turkey poults can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By choosing the right breed, providing proper care, and protecting them from predators and disease, you can enjoy the unique flavor and benefits of these amazing birds. So, go ahead and start your journey into the world of heritage turkeys! You won't regret it!