Description of turkeys of the Canadian breed, growing at home

The Canadian breed of turkeys is considered one of the most promising among breeders. These birds are bred to perform various tasks. They are a source of dietary meat, delicious eggs, and soft fluff. These birds are very large in size. Moreover, their indisputable advantage is considered to be rapid weight gain. At the same time, the birds are considered unpretentious to their living conditions.

Description and characteristics of Canadian turkeys

These birds belong to the broiler category. They were created by Canadian breeders based on the white broad-chested breed.These birds bring high profits to farmers and serve as a real decoration for the farmstead. Canadian turkeys are distinguished by the following features:

• beautiful dark feathers with ashen markings or snow-white color;
• fan-shaped tail;
• a large scarlet drop on the chin;
• powerful chest;
• coral-colored growths located on the neck and head;
• strong legs.

Many farmers claim that white birds are considered more profitable to keep because feather stumps are not visible on their carcasses. Chicks of this breed are characterized by large size and rapid growth. At 1 month they resemble the weight of adult ducks. By 3 months the birds reach slaughter weight. At this point, males weigh 30 kilograms, and females - 16. At this stage, weight gain stops, and therefore it becomes unprofitable to feed the birds.

Advantages and disadvantages

Canadian turkeys have many advantages.

Requirements for maintenance and care

When raising turkeys at home, a number of conditions should be observed:

1. When breeding adult birds, it is recommended to maintain the temperature in the house within +5-30 degrees. Turkey poults require special conditions.They need a temperature of +20-25 degrees. Otherwise, the birds will face colds.
2. Birds are very demanding when it comes to lighting. Therefore, it is recommended that the premises be well lit.
3. The turkey poultry must be free. It is definitely worth installing perches in it. It is recommended to place them 1 meter from the floor.
4. A prerequisite for the productive rearing of birds is the cleanliness of feeders and drinkers.
5. It is important to monitor humidity parameters - the poultry house cannot be damp. It is also recommended to avoid drafts indoors. Bedding should always remain dry. It is recommended to ensure that they do not rot or become moldy, as this will provoke various pathologies in birds.

Despite being a broiler type, Canadian turkeys need regular walks. This is especially true for young birds.

What to feed the birds?

Even with a meager diet, Canadian turkeys gain weight well. But to activate this process, birds need to organize the right diet. For full development, birds need dry and wet food, which contains many vitamins and minerals. It is worth feeding the birds 5 times a day. On large farms, turkeys are given different types of feed. Additionally, they are provided with soaked cereals, vitamins and minerals. At home, the diet of birds can be made even more varied. Since birds are considered omnivores, they can be given the following:

• fresh vegetables;
• non-acidic dairy products;
• herbs - birds love clover, alfalfa, specks, vegetable tops;
• boiled cereals;
• eggs.

Adult birds should be given mixed feed and grains in the morning and evening.During the day, it is recommended to feed turkeys with moist mash with herbs and vegetables. It is also worth adding meat and bone meal to them.

The diet of laying hens includes fewer grains. It is better to give preference to grass and vegetables. Additionally, birds should be fed dairy products, which will help saturate the body with calcium and improve the quality of the shell.

Dry and wet types of food should be distributed into different feeders. At 3 months, turkeys, on average, need 2 kilograms of food per day. Birds must have constant access to the supplements they require for digestion. These include chalk, ash, sand, gravel, and shells. Containers with such products must be placed in the poultry house and in the aviary for walking.

Breeding

The suitable age for breeding in Canadian turkeys is 2-4 years. At the same time, males show maximum activity at 2-3 years. Males are usually twice the size of females. This is why birds have certain problems with mating. In such a situation, it is impossible to do without artificial insemination of birds.

Hens have good maternal instinct. They are able to incubate eggs and take care of the chicks. To avoid exhaustion of the birds, feeders and drinkers are placed near the nest. Nests should be installed 50 centimeters from the floor. Their dimensions must match the size of the bird - on average, they are 60x60 centimeters. The presence of clean and dry litter is of no small importance. It should be made from straw or hay.

Profitability

Raising turkeys of this breed is considered a profitable business. The excellent profitability of the breed is due to the high rate of growth and development of the birds. At the same time, birds are undemanding to living conditions.You don't have to spend a lot of money to grow them.

Frequent illnesses

Canadian turkeys suffer from various pathologies. With a lack of vitamins and minerals, they develop vitamin deficiency. There is also a risk of loss of appetite or rickets. If the conditions of keeping are not met, birds are faced with dangerous infections - smallpox, tuberculosis, helminthic infestation.

To avoid the development of dangerous pathologies, you should follow these rules:

1. On the first day after birth, it is recommended to give chicks a solution of ascorbic acid containing glucose.
2. On days 2-5, birds need the drug “Amino-vital” or “Irex-vital”. To do this, take a pinch of the product per 1 liter of water.
3. On days 6-10, birds are recommended to be given a little Furozolidone. The substance helps prevent intestinal infections.
4. On days 15-20 it is recommended to use Amprolium. It helps prevent coccidiosis.
5. On day 40 you should give Metronidazole. It is recommended to use the product for 4 days. It helps to avoid infection of birds with protozoan microorganisms.

Canadian turkeys are highly productive. They are characterized by rapid weight gain. In order for birds to develop normally and not get sick, they need to be provided with careful care and a balanced diet.