Raising Turkeys: Feed, Space & Processing Timeline

Home-raised turkeys are a Thanksgiving tradition on many small farms. Broad-breasted varieties reach market weight in about 24 weeks, while heritage breeds take longer but offer richer flavor and better foraging ability.

Feed needs

A broad-breasted turkey consumes about 75 lb of feed total over 24 weeks to market — roughly 0.45 lb per day on average.

Space requirements

Turkeys need 6–8 sq ft of shelter per bird and at least 20 sq ft of outdoor range. They benefit from perching and prefer open-air roofed shelters over enclosed coops.

Water needs

Turkeys drink about 0.5 gal per bird per day. Poults need shallow waterers to prevent drowning in the first few weeks.

Tips for success

• Start poults on 28% protein game bird starter and decrease to 20% after 8 weeks.
• Keep turkeys separate from chickens to prevent blackhead disease (histomoniasis) transmission.
• Broad-breasted birds cannot breed naturally — plan for artificial insemination or buy poults each year.

Common mistakes

• Raising turkeys on ground previously used by chickens without a rest period — blackhead persists in soil.
• Expecting heritage turkeys to reach market weight on the same timeline as broad-breasted types.

Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.