Grade Maker turkeys are a meat cross that combines the best characteristics of poultry. This breed is considered one of the most popular - it is often raised in small farms. To obtain high productivity parameters, it is important to follow basic recommendations for bird care. A balanced diet and the prevention of pathologies are of no small importance.
Appearance and characteristics of grade maker turkeys
Turkey Great Marker is a hybrid cross that belongs to the medium-heavy varieties.It is characterized by a massive body that is covered with fluffy white feathers. Birds have a flat and wide chest. They are characterized by a long, curved beak of a yellowish tint. In males it is decorated with red stripes.
The head is small. It has a pink or reddish tint. The earrings are long and red. In some individuals, the face near the eyes has a blue color. Birds are characterized by rapid growth rates. By 4 months, males reach 19-20 kilograms, and turkeys - 9-11.
During the reproductive period, females lay 80-100 eggs. On average, they produce 12 eggs per month. Their weight is 85 grams. Hatchability parameters are at the level of 87%.
Positive and negative sides
The main disadvantage is the high sensitivity of the cross to temperature fluctuations. Turkeys develop fully only in warm conditions.
Subtleties of maintenance and care
Since birds of this breed are considered very heat-loving, they need to be provided with a dry and warm room. It is important to ensure sufficient lighting levels. However, there should be no windows in the poultry house. The organization of the cleaning area is of no small importance.
To prevent turkeys from encountering parasites, it is recommended to install a box filled with sand and ash in the poultry house.
Turkeys prefer to sleep on perches.They have a high body weight, so the timber must be quite thick. Each bird should have at least 40 centimeters of space. The height of the perch should reach 80 centimeters, and the width between places should be at least 60.
To avoid becoming overweight, birds require long walks. Their duration should be at least 1 hour. Therefore, birds should equip an area for walking. It is definitely recommended to enclose it with a fence, since representatives of the breed are capable of flying high. It is also permissible to trim the wings of young birds.
Turkeys of this breed are characterized by a very quarrelsome character. During fights, they are capable of severely injuring each other. Therefore, it is permissible to keep a maximum of 5 turkeys and 40 turkeys in one place. For high egg production, it is necessary to provide a place for the birds. The height of the nest should reach 15 centimeters, the width - 60. These sizes are suitable for 4-6 turkeys. Hens are very caring. They are capable of caring for many chicks.
Diet planning
Turkeys of this breed should be fed quite generously. At the same time, they need to be given food 3 times a day. During the mating season, the frequency of feeding is increased to 5 times a day. Sometimes ready-made foods or homemade mixtures are used for this. They should be chosen taking into account the age category and time of year. It is important to have constant access to clean water. In winter and summer it is worth adding vitamins to your food. To do this, use fresh greens or hay. Chicks require a more complex diet. During the first month they should be fed up to 8 times a day. At the same time, age affects the diet:
- From days 1 to 6, turkey poults are given crushed boiled eggs. They should be used in combination with wheat cereal.
- On days 7-21 it is permissible to start giving cottage cheese, fish, cake.
- From day 20 you can add other grains - millet and corn.
- At 5 weeks of life, you can give the birds fresh grass. Cabbage, clover, and alfalfa are suitable for this.
Adult turkeys require grain. It can be dry and sprouted. To ensure that birds do not experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies, a combination of different types of cereals is required. In summer, fresh greens are introduced into food. Food should be constantly changed to avoid stagnation of old food in the feeders.
Breeding
Turkeys lay their first eggs at 9 months. During the reproductive period they produce 100 eggs. Females bring large eggs weighing 80-85 grams. Hatchability parameters are considered quite high and amount to 87%. The eggs are mainly used for breeding. It is permissible to leave them for incubation by females. However, it is better to immediately put it in the incubator. All the necessary conditions for hatching chicks have been created there.
Frequent diseases of birds
Birds of this breed are characterized by good immunity. However, birds cannot tolerate exposure to drafts. Turkeys are resistant to most infections. It is important to get vaccinated against the following pathologies:
- chicken coccidiosis;
- rhinotracheitis;
- atypical plague.
Vaccination should be carried out exclusively by a veterinarian, and vaccinations are recommended only for healthy birds. If there are symptoms of pathologies, it is better to refuse the procedure. After vaccination, birds need to be isolated for some time.Grade maker turkeys are considered popular birds that are highly productive. In order for birds to grow and develop quickly, they need comprehensive care.
