The breed of black Tikhoretsk turkeys was bred in the 50s of the 20th century in the Krasnodar region. The parent forms for the breed were local individuals and bronze broad-chested. As a result, a new broiler variety was developed. It can be bred both on an industrial scale and in private farms. Let's consider the description and characteristics of the breed, the technology of its breeding and cultivation.
Description of the breed
Tikhoretsky turkeys are now bred not only in the Krasnodar Territory, but also in other regions of Russia and in nearby countries, because they easily get used to new conditions and climate. The variety got its name due to the color of its plumage – black, shiny, with a bronze tint. The body of turkeys is strong, elongated and wide. A distinctive external feature of Tikhoretsk turkeys is the thin feathers at the base of the neck. Feathers are clearly visible on adult birds.
The head is small, the skin on it is gray, the skin outgrowths are red, the legs are long, also gray. The plumage of the chicks is olive-colored, with dark spots on the body. Turkeys of this breed are active and love to walk, so they are not suitable for constant keeping indoors.
Characteristics of black Tikhoretsk turkeys
The Tikhoretsk breed belongs to the light type. At 14 months, males weigh 9 kg, females - 6 kg. However, young animals show rapid growth rates. At 3.5 months, turkey poults can weigh 4 kg.
The meat of Tikhoretsk turkeys is juicy and has excellent taste. It is non-fibrous and has no unpleasant odor or taste. Females begin laying eggs at 9-10 months. In a year, one turkey can produce 80 eggs weighing 80 g each. The hatchability of turkey poults is 84%. One female can hatch 2 dozen eggs. Tikhoretsky turkeys responsibly hatch and raise their offspring.
Advantages and disadvantages
Turkeys have almost no disadvantages, except for their moderate size and weight.
Conditions of detention and care
Adult Tikhoretsk turkeys can show aggression towards people and other birds, so you need to keep them in the house separately.To raise turkey poults and adult birds, you need to allocate a spacious poultry house in which the birds will not feel cramped. There should be 1 square meter per bird. m.
When kept in close conditions, turkeys often develop infectious diseases and stress-related disorders.
Turkeys do not like cold, drafts, dampness and dirt. For good development of chicks and prevention of diseases, you need to constantly keep the room clean, change the bedding, clean the feeders, equipment, and drinking bowls. In summer and winter, you should try to maintain an approximately constant temperature - about 20 ˚С. If the house is not insulated, it needs to be insulated before winter; in the cold, birds grow worse and do not lay eggs. In extreme cold weather, the poultry house will have to be heated. At any time of the year, the room must be ventilated to freshen the air.
In the warm season, Tikhoretsk turkeys need to be walked in a pen. Walking has a good effect on the physical and mental health of the bird and increases its productivity.
Diet
Black turkey poults are fed grain mixtures, into which grass chaff, bran, meal, grated vegetables, and root vegetables are added. Premixes, chalk, shell, and salt must be added to the mixture. The mashes are prepared with water or curdled milk; they should be crumbly, not liquid, so that they do not stick in the birds’ throats. The water in the drinking bowls must be changed at each feeding. When the black Tikhoretsk turkey poults grow to one month of age, they are transferred to adult birds.
Adult turkeys are fed either mixed feed or grain and vegetable mash. They add grass, garden tops, herbs, and mineral supplements. Feed and mash are given 3 times a day.Compound feed or mixtures are poured into the feeders 2/3 full so that the birds do not spill the excess. All leftovers after feeding are immediately removed. There should always be fresh, clean water in drinking bowls. Before slaughter, turkeys are fed for up to 4 months.
How to breed the breed correctly
To obtain eggs for breeding, you need to place nests in the poultry house in the amount of 1 for 2-3 females. A breeding flock is formed from 1 turkey for 3-4 turkeys. They should be kept separate until they lay eggs. You can leave them for the female to hatch or use an incubator.
The hen who hatched the chicks will raise them. Until they grow up, they should be kept in a separate room with their mother so that they do not fall under the feet of an adult bird.
Diseases
The biggest problem for the black turkey poultry farmer is infections and nutritional disorders. The causes of diseases lie in non-compliance with the rules of care and maintenance, and improper feeding. Typically, infectious diseases develop where the bird lives on dirty bedding, is kept in a cramped, dark, damp room, and does not go for walks. Prevention of infections and eating disorders consists of regular cleaning of the premises, changing the bedding, ventilating the premises and disinfecting them.
Tikhoretsky black turkeys are not among the largest, but compensate for this deficiency with rapid growth, low feed consumption, and quality of meat. The breed can be grown in any region, on a private farm or on a small farm. The technology of keeping and feeding for this breed is standard.
