Turkey | Facts & Information

Predators (those who hunt/eat this animal): snakes, foxes, raccoons

The first turkeys arrived in Europe thanks to the Spaniards who borrowed the habit of breeding these birds. Once brought to the Old continent, the Spaniards began to perpetuate the species, so today we have the Spanish Turkey or Royal Palm.

It is also alleged that the inhabitants of the American colonies hunted wild turkeys to cook them for the famous American Thanksgiving holiday. With the beginning of the 20th century, the popularity of these birds reached impressive heights, even reaching new species such as the Beltsville Small White.

Before the Second World War, turkey meat was a luxury, at least in Britain, using mostly goose or beef. The most common species of turkeys in England today are Norfolk Black and Norfolk Bronze.

During mating, the color of the skin of the head and neck becomes a bright blue and red, the male unfurling the tail in The Shape of a fan.

Currently, according to statistics, Israelis consume more turkey meat per capita than Americans! After these two nations, the French, Italians, British and Canadians follow in order.

Feeding Turkey

Granulated feed is eaten with pleasure by turkeys. Wild turkeys spend their days searching for food such as Acorns, small seeds, insects and berries.

Turkey meat is one of the healthiest choices when it comes to the broad spectrum of meat products, that's the main thing to stick with.

If we take care that the way of preparation is as balanced and dietary, without frying, then we can extract even more benefits.

Do not be scared if the taste of turkey meat is not spectacular, have at hand a whole series of light spices or vegetables to accompany the piece of white meat in the plate.

Appearance Turkey

The male Turkey has a more vivid plumage colour, which is black with metallic copper and greenish reflections.

The head and neck are red, not covered by feathers. The male has a crease (fold) of red skin above the beak.

The turkey is a polygamous species, with a male usually having 3 to 4 females.

An adult turkey can reach a height of 1 m and a weight of 10 kg.

Females are smaller (90 cm) with a weight of 4 kg.

Features Turkey

The turkeys ' shelter must be clean and protected against rodents. As bedding can be used, depending on the efficiency, wood shavings, grain straw and sunflower husks.

Place the dried and clean straw or straw in a convenient layer for the bird. Place feeders and adapters so that they are easily accessible.

Being living in forests, especially in North America, wild turkeys swim on the lower branches of trees (yes, wild turkeys can fly!)

Bare skin on the head and neck can change color. It can be gray, white, red or blue depending on the condition of the turkey, when it is distressed, excited, etc.

Turkey Breeding

It is recommended to raise males separately from females. A turkey will lay eggs for a period of 24 weeks, during which time it will lay around 18 eggs.

The incubation period of a turkey egg is 28 days. It is very important that the environment in which the females live and the one in which the eggs are stored is clean, to avoid the transmission of pathogenic viruses such as microplasma. Between 10 and 14 days, fertile and infertile eggs can be observed.

The latter will be removed from the incubator. After the 28 days, the resulting offspring will be chosen, separating the males from the females because there are differences in growth between the two sexes.

The chickens ' food consists mainly of Malay flour, soy food enriched with vitamins and minerals. Depending on the age and the way they develop, portions of food rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fats will be added.

Ensuring the optimum temperature is mandatory in the first 4 weeks. We recommend the use of acidifiers in drinking water, especially in the first 3 weeks. Turkeys can be vaccinated against Avian Pseudopest at 10, 21 and 42 days.

At about 2 months of life, a preventive antiparasitic treatment is recommended, especially when there are chickens in the same household. In case of signs of illness, contact a veterinarian immediately.