Raising Broad Breasted White Turkeys

Raising Broad Breasted White Turkeys

Raising Broad Breasted White Turkeys

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.

🦃 Breed Overview

• 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.

🏚️ 1. Brooding (First 6–8 Weeks) – Critical Stage

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.

🏡 2. Housing & Space Requirements

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.

🌾 3. Feeding Program

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).

🚶 4. Mobility & Health Management

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)

🛡️ 5. Predator Protection

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

🌿 6. Pasture & Outdoor Access (Optional but Beneficial)

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.

⚠️ Important Limitations

• 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

✅ Why Raise Broad Breasted Whites?

• Fast growth = efficient meat production

• High breast meat yield

• White feathers = clean-looking dressed carcass

• Widely available and affordable as poults

📌 Final Tips

• 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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