The Uzbek fawn breed of turkeys was obtained through careful selection. As a result, scientists were able to obtain birds that are maximally adapted to growing in Asia. Birds are widespread in the North Caucasus. They are also actively bred in Tatarstan and Uzbekistan. In order for birds to grow and develop normally, it is important to provide them with careful care. A balanced diet and the prevention of pathologies are of no small importance.
The history of the fawn turkey
This Uzbek breed was obtained in Central Asia by the famous breeder N. Zolotukhin.The poultry farmer, together with a team of scientists, carried out intensive work. It was aimed at increasing the productivity of birds and their adaptation to different climatic conditions. For selection, local breeds of birds were used, which were highly resilient.
Description and characteristics of the breed
Birds of this breed are characterized by medium size. They have a strongly built body and rich red-fawn plumage. Due to their lush feathers, turkeys seem quite large. They are characterized by an elongated and thin neck, as well as a medium-sized head. The paws and beak are small.
This breed is characterized by not very high egg production parameters. Throughout the year, a turkey lays 60-65 eggs. However, 68% of them are fertilized and can be used to hatch chicks using an incubator.
Despite the relatively low egg production, the birds easily adapt to various living conditions and are characterized by high vitality. Therefore, the hatched offspring survive and reach adulthood. The disadvantage of the breed is considered to be insufficient early maturity and a slow growth process.
These turkeys are characterized by the excellent taste of meat, which has excellent dietary properties. Therefore, this product is suitable for people who are forced to follow a diet.
This species of bird is characterized by a calm disposition. Adults rarely fight and do not attack other animals. This is important because the birds are large in size. Turkeys of this breed live in small flocks before puberty.Then they also form herds of 1 male and 2-3 females.
Advantages and disadvantages
Features of maintenance and care
Fawn turkeys are undemanding to living conditions. However, some rules still need to be followed. Birds are capable of flying, so it is recommended to walk birds in aviaries with canopies. In the summer, it is worth providing turkeys with free range. To do this, it is recommended to fence off a large area for birds. Birds are able to walk in the fresh air from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn. And they do this from morning to evening. While walking, turkeys eat grass and insects. This helps reduce feed costs.
In winter, birds should be kept in a dry and warm barn. There should be no drafts in the room, as this will lead to the development of pathologies and even death of birds.
To avoid the appearance of musty air, it is recommended to create a ventilation system in the poultry house. You should use straw or sawdust as floor bedding. Before moving birds into the barn, all surfaces should be treated with disinfectants. This will help avoid the development of dangerous pathologies.
Feeding the birds
Turkeys need a varied diet. It is especially important to monitor the diet in winter, when birds live indoors. Adults should be fed three times a day. Turkeys need to be fed a wet mixture in the morning and evening. It is recommended to add chopped herbs to them. In the evening, grains are poured into the bird feeders.
Stores sell ready-made feed for turkeys.They can be used to replace cereals or dilute wet mash. To maintain a normal weight for males, they should be given the following foods in the evening:
- sprouted grains of barley, oats or wheat;
- carrot;
- cheese;
- beans, peas and other legumes;
- grain minerals.
For females, yeast, sprouted grains, and food with B vitamins are introduced into the diet. This helps make the eggs better. Herbal flour and chopped root vegetables are also introduced into the diet.
Fawn turkeys require a lot of water. It is recommended to pour it into small tanks or buckets. The birds will turn over other containers. To ensure that birds receive a sufficient amount of carotene and vitamin C in winter, it is recommended to add spruce and pine needles to wet mixtures. It should be finely chopped first.
How to breed turkeys?
Only the best turkeys should be used for breeding birds. In this case, the parent stock is finally formed at the age of 6 months. Eggs should be collected daily. It is important to ensure that they are intact and free of damage. It is better to use an incubator for breeding turkey poults. Before laying, it is recommended to thoroughly clean and disinfect the eggs.
Possible diseases of the breed
Fawn turkeys have strong immunity. However, it is important to consider that heart and liver problems are common in breeding herds. Therefore, birds should be given special means to maintain these systems.
To prevent infectious pathologies such as helminthiasis, smallpox, tuberculosis, it is worth monitoring the condition of the poultry house. To do this, it is disinfected with “Chloroform” or “Chlorophos”. Fawn turkeys are popular among farmers. They are characterized by low maintenance requirements and good survival rate.It is important to feed the birds properly and provide them with free range.
