Raising Broad Breasted White turkeys—the most common commercial turkey breed in the U.S.—requires special care due to their rapid growth, large size, and limited natural behaviors (like flying or breeding). While they’re prized for their plump breast meat and white pin feathers (which leave a clean carcass), they’re not a heritage breed and have unique needs compared to birds like the Bourbon Red.
Purpose: Primarily raised for meat (reaches market weight in 16–24 weeks)
Size:
Toms: 35–50 lbs (can exceed 50 lbs)
Hens: 18–30 lbs
Lifespan: Shorter than heritage breeds (3–5 years max; often processed by 6–8 months)
Key limitations:
Cannot fly
Cannot mate naturally (require artificial insemination for reproduction)
Prone to leg, heart, and mobility issues due to fast growth
💡 Note: You’ll typically buy day-old poults from hatcheries (e.g., Cackle Hatchery, Murray McMurray) for meat production—not for breeding.
Poults are fragile and need warmth, clean water, and high-protein feed.
Temperature:
Week 1: 95°F
Reduce by 5°F each week until fully feathered (~6–8 weeks)
Use a heat lamp or brooder plate; watch behavior (huddling = too cold, panting = too hot)
Space: Start with 1 sq ft per poult; increase as they grow
Bedding: Pine shavings (avoid cedar—it’s toxic); keep dry to prevent ammonia buildup
Feed: 28% protein turkey starter (NOT chick starter—turkeys need more protein and niacin)
Water: Use shallow fountains or jar-based drinkers to prevent drowning
⚠️ Never use medicated chick feed—it can be fatal to turkeys.
Broad Breasted Whites grow fast and get heavy—support their joints and health with proper space.
Coop (if kept beyond market age):
Indoors: 6–10 sq ft per bird
No roosts needed (they can’t jump and may injure legs)
Outdoor run:
20–25+ sq ft per bird
Soft, dry ground (grass, sand, or mulch)—concrete or mud causes foot sores
Shade and shelter from rain and sun
Fencing: Standard poultry netting is fine—they can’t fly
✅ Tip: Provide ramps (not steep ladders) if they need to enter/exit coops.
Diet directly impacts growth, health, and meat quality.
Free-choice feeding: Always available
Grit: Not needed if on commercial feed only, but helpful if foraging
Supplements:
Niacin (Vitamin B3): Prevents leg deformities—add 100–150 mg per gallon of water for first 8 weeks
Electrolytes: Helpful during stress or hot weather
🥩 For meat birds: Most are processed at 16–24 weeks (hens ~16–20 wks, toms ~20–24 wks).
Due to rapid growth, leg and heart issues are common.
Watch for:
Splayed legs
Lethargy
Difficulty walking
Swollen joints
Prevention:
Avoid slippery surfaces (use rubber mats or deep bedding)
Don’t overfeed—some growers restrict feed after 12 weeks to slow growth
Keep water and feed at comfortable heights
Common diseases:
Blackhead (if near chickens—avoid co-mingling in high-risk areas)
Respiratory infections
Coccidiosis (especially in damp conditions)
Even though they’re large, young turkeys are vulnerable.
Secure coop at night (raccoons, owls, dogs)
Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire) for runs
Consider electric poultry netting for daytime pasture
While not required, pasture access improves health and meat flavor.
Rotational grazing: Move pens every few days to fresh ground
Shade & water: Always available outdoors
Avoid muddy areas: Heavy birds sink and develop sores
⏳ Note: Many commercial operations raise them indoors on deep litter—but pasture-raised birds have better welfare and taste.
Cannot reproduce naturally: If you want to breed turkeys, choose heritage breeds (e.g., Bourbon Red, Narragansett)
Not pets long-term: Their size and health issues make them poor long-term companions
Process on time: Delaying processing increases health risks
Fast growth = efficient meat production
High breast meat yield
White feathers = clean-looking dressed carcass
Widely available and affordable as poults
Order poults early—popular hatcheries sell out by spring
Have a processor lined up if you’re not processing yourself
Keep records of feed, weight gain, and health issues
Consider ethics: Some choose slower-growing heritage breeds for better welfare
Raising Broad Breasted White turkeys can be efficient and rewarding if you respect their biological limits and provide attentive care—especially in the crucial first 8 weeks. With proper management, you’ll raise healthy birds ready for a sustainable, homegrown Thanksgiving or freezer supply!
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