The Turkey and female turkey, large backyard poultry
The turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ), and its female turkey, are the
emblematic domestic animals of our backyards. The turkey, with its lean
flesh and high protein content, is poultry particularly appreciated for
its meat and is the traditional dish of our Christmas meals. Imposing by
its size, the turkey is very recognizable in particular by its piercing
and unpleasant cries.
- Height: 76 to 125 cm
- Weight: 10-13 kg (turkey) / 6-8 kg (female turkey)
- Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years
- Gestation period: 28 to 30 days
Origin and characteristics of the turkey
The turkey is a species of galliform bird of the Phasianidae family.
It originated in America and was introduced to Spain around 1500,
later spreading throughout Europe. In France, the first turkeys were
served as a dish in 1570 at the wedding of King Charles IX.
It is a large bird whose physical particularity is to have a fleshy
soft and red growth on the forehead. The head and neck of the turkey
are featherless. Its tail feathers are long and fan-shaped. The turkey
is less imposing than the male and its fleshy formations on the head
and neck are smaller.
How to raise turkeys?
Although resistant, turkeys and turkeys fear humidity and cold. Their
habitat must absolutely be in a dry place and have a space where they
can protect themselves and be warm. The male being particularly wicked
and combative, it is necessary to avoid cohabiting turkeys and turkeys
with other species.
What habitat for his turkey and turkey?
The turkeys and turkeys on our farms need space to live. It is
necessary to reserve large enclosures for them, where they can find
their own food, decorated with trees which they use as a perch and
dormitory. In wet and/or cold weather, they must be able to shelter
in a place that protects them from bad weather.
What to feed turkeys?
Turkeys and turkeys eat seeds, vegetable scraps, thick leaves such
as those of rhubarb, Jerusalem artichokes, nettles, which they find
in their enclosures or on their course. They also appreciate berries
and small fruits (blueberries, currants, strawberries, or even
plums). The little ones, which are more fragile, need to be fed with
a special, well-dosed diet available in pet stores.
The main health problems of turkeys and turkeys
The young turkeys and turkeys, poults, are particularly fragile and
require careful care. Around 2 months, they can suffer what is called "the
crisis of red" (growth crisis) and die suddenly. This critical period can
be avoided with an appropriate diet. Adult turkeys are very sensitive to
parasites, which are transmitted in particular by eggs and which cause
intestinal disorders, apathy, and eye problems. To avoid these parasites,
strict hatchery hygiene is required. In addition, humidity and cold have
consequences on the health of turkeys and turkeys which weaken their
joints.
The reproduction of the turkey
The turkey mates with 7 to 8 turkeys. At mating time, it parades around,
clucking and proudly spreading its tail feathers. Turkeys lay eggs in the
spring when they are 10 to 12 months old. Particularly good brooders, they
give 15 to 20 eggs a year and, depending on the circumstances, make a
second laying in July or August. Hatching of the eggs takes place after
28-30 days. Very fragile at birth, the young are considered to become
robust adults around the age of 6 or 7 months.
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different pets