How to grow big 6 turkey poults at home?

The Big 6 turkey cross was created by the British firm "Brutiss Unaited Tyurrkss" in 2007 through selective crossing. For breeding, the paternal line BUT 8 and the maternal BIG 5 were used.

Poultry belongs to the meat type of productivity. Big 6 is a young cross that appeared on the Russian market relatively recently, but has already managed to establish itself due to its large mass, early maturity and vitality.

Description of the cross Big 6

Big 6 turkeys are large and massive farm birds with a stocky body and relatively small head. By its white color and fluffy plumage, this cross is easy to distinguish from other species. White plumage is located throughout the body, not counting a small black speck on the chest. Females are not as fluffy as males.

The plumage is quite dense and dense, with a characteristic shine. Big 6 turkey fluff is highly valued, due to its softness and lightness it is in demand in the industry. The back of the birds is straight and wide. The pectoral muscles are pronounced, convex. Large wings.

Appearance of the breed

The bird stands on large, strong and sinewy legs. There is a small head on the long neck. A distinctive feature of turkeys is the presence of corals, red skin folds located in the head and neck area. On the upper part of the beak there is a cutaneous appendage hanging vertically downward, which, during the period of the bird's excitement, can reach 12-15 cm.

The bright red decorations on the turkey's body indicate the health of the bird.

Turkeys have a lively temperament, they are strong enough and can fend for themselves. But, as for the commonwealth with other birds, a conflict may arise, therefore it is recommended to keep broiler turkeys separately and in families. You can read about this in more detail below.

Keeping and breeding turkeys at home

In industrial conditions, turkeys are kept in specially equipped large-sized windowless poultry houses on a litter, with controlled lighting and microclimate, and cage keeping is also often used.

A herd of turkeys on the run

Cross Big 6 is bred not only in industrial enterprises, but also in household plots. The main conditions for keeping turkeys practically do not differ from the requirements for poultry houses for other breeds. On home farms, in the summer, turkeys are kept for a walk and only at night they are driven into a barn. The turkey house should be capital.

The walls are built of bricks or other durable materials, the floors are poured with concrete. If there are windows in the poultry house, then they must open, and so that the bird does not fly away, they are covered with bars.

Turkeys do not tolerate dampness and cold well, so the room must be insulated so that the minimum cost of heating the house goes away in winter.

Big 6 shows high productive results only in dry and warm climates, so it is very important to provide the birds with all the necessary conditions.

A manhole is made on the south side of the house, the height from the floor should be no more than 15 cm. The floor in the house is covered with a bedding made of sawdust, hay or straw. It is important that the litter is dry. Since turkeys are not very friendly, it is better to divide the room into sections when keeping a large herd.

Tips for Beginners: How to Grow Broilers Properly

It is not recommended to grow more than 30-40 individuals in one department. There are 6 females for 1 male. Poultry houses for breeding broilers are built at the rate of 1-2 adult birds per 1 sq. m.

Perches for keeping turkeys

Turkeys, like chickens, need perches. The height of the perch from the floor should be 90-100 cm. The perches are made of thick, round wooden beams, with a minimum of 40 cm per turkey. Poultry houses are equipped with nests for 4-5 females per nest.

Nest parameters: 60x60x60 cm, with a nut height of 15 cm. The normal room temperature is 16-18 ° C, in winter it should not fall below 13-15 ° C. The poultry houses are equipped with artificial lighting systems for short winter daylight hours.

For turkeys, it is necessary to put baths with ash and sand so that they can clean the feathers of parasites. Wooden boxes are used as baths: 125 × 80 × 25 cm. Proportional ratio of sand and ash 1k1.

Feeders and drinkers are an integral part of any livestock complex. Aviaries for turkeys are built high and covered with a net on top so that the bird cannot fly away.

Since turkeys fly well, wings are clipped to avoid problems.

Characteristics of the Big 6 cross

The breed is famous for its high weight

The live weight of males is 20-25 kg, and of females 10-12 kg. The egg production characteristic of turkeys is up to 100 eggs per year. Females begin to lay eggs at 7-9 months. The mass of 1 egg is 80 g.

The eggs hatch for 26-28 days. The hatchability is 85%. Lethal output - 70-75%. Muscle mass is 80%, of which 30% is on the chest. For 1 kg of live weight gain, 2 kg of feed is used.

A turkey eats 250-350 g of feed per day. At 90 days, turkeys weigh 4.5-5 kg, and at 150 days - 11-12 kg. Turkeys are slaughtered at 3-4 months, since after this period the growth of the bird stops.

Feeding and keeping turkeys and turkeys

Feeding small turkeys is easy. In the first 3 days of life, the chicks are given boiled eggs and boiled cereal porridges. Turkeys must have unlimited access to water. Babies are fed every 3 hours, while the food must always be fresh.

Finely chopped greens and grated carrots are mixed into the feed. Portions should be small, but so that the turkey poults have enough to eat. On day 4, the diet is made up of wet mash with milk and with the addition of herbs.

Feeding chicks

The first 2 months of life for birds are extremely important, therefore, during this period, turkeys should be provided with a complete diet rich in dairy products. It is recommended to feed cottage cheese, buttermilk, yogurt and return.

Green forage is considered an obligatory component of the turkey poultry diet.The food is mixed with chopped greens of alfalfa, dandelion, nettle, plantain and clover. It is allowed to add a little green onions to the diet as a preventive measure against intestinal diseases.

As the bird grows, the number of feeds decreases. At 2 months, 4 feedings are enough for turkeys. For feeding the chicks, special feeders are bought or made independently from plywood. In no case should you use metal, because striking with its beak, the turkey can harm itself.

On the 7th day, the chicks are injected with vitamin D, the second procedure is carried out after 50 days. On day 15, nystatin is added to the feed, aimed at preventing aspergillosis. As a prophylaxis, chicks from 6 to 11 days are drunk with antibiotics.

Conditions for growing turkey poults

Chickens of this breed

The main requirement for growing turkey poults is microclimate control. For the first month, chicks are kept in specially designed compartments on a litter.

In 1 week the temperature in the room should fluctuate from 32 to 35 ° C, in 2 weeks the heat level drops to 29-32 ° C, and in 3 weeks 27-29 ° C is enough.

Daylight hours are 12 hours. Drafts and high humidity are prohibited in the room.

If you compare the feeding of turkeys with other poultry, you can see some peculiarities. Rations for Big 6 are formed taking into account a large amount of protein feed and vitamins.

What food to give

They feed turkeys 3 times a day; overfeeding these birds is undesirable, since large individuals are prone to obesity. In the morning and in the afternoon, they are fed with wet mash with the addition of cereals, and in the evening, the turkeys receive dry grain.

Cereals and legumes in the diet of turkeys account for up to 65%, most of all, oats and buckwheat are fed to turkeys. Grain feed provides 70% of the turkey's protein and is a source of fat. Meals and cakes make up a small percentage of the diet (1-2%), but, despite this, they fully provide the birds with amino acids.

To provide the body with calcium and phosphorus, meat, meat and bone, fish and blood meal are introduced into the diet of birds. To improve digestion, the body needs fiber, which is found in hay and straw. In the summer, turkeys are fed grass.

Big 6 turkey feed

Green fodder, sprouted grain and fodder of animal origin are rich in vitamins A, B, E, H. The diet of turkeys is balanced in all elements and vitamins;

Detailed description of turkey diseases

Newcastle disease. This disease most often affects young animals and causes a large mortality. Symptoms: paralysis of the limbs, green-gray-yellow diarrhea, mucous masses accumulate in the goiter. The disease is incurable, and timely vaccination is carried out to prevent it.

Respiratory mycoplasmosis. When birds get sick with this ailment, their eyes swell, cough and wheezing appear, and growth slows down. The mortality rate is minimal. Various medications prescribed by a veterinarian are used for treatment.

Aspergillotoxicosis. The disease appears when eating poor-quality feed, and litter can also be a source. The bird becomes inactive, sits still, sleeps a lot, breathes frequently, diarrhea, eats poorly, stunted and dies suddenly in convulsions.

When the first symptoms appear, the feed and bedding change, the house is disinfected. It is necessary to immediately introduce lactic acid products into the feed.

Histomoniasis. The disease affects the liver and causes diseases of the cecum in young animals. The disease can occur due to poor-quality disinfection of the poultry house. Turkeys develop green-yellow frothy diarrhea.

Turkey poults stop eating food, weaken, lose weight, feathers become disheveled and dirty. The disease is treated with such drugs: furazolidone and osarsol. Same deworming turkeys with drugs such as phenothiazine and piperazine.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Big 6 turkey carcass

Advantages:

• The largest cross by weight. Meat turkeys reach 25 kg.
• Early maturity. Young animals quickly gain weight, while fattening costs a minimum.
• The yield of meat products is 80%, of which 30% weighs the breast.
• Plumage in quality is not inferior to that of a goose and is used in industry for the production of various products.
• Compared to other species, the Big 6 lays more eggs.

Flaws:

• They do not tolerate cold and dampness, which entails the cost of insulating and heating the poultry house in winter.
• Turkeys have poor contact with each other and with other birds, therefore they are kept in separate rooms and families.

Conclusion

Big 6 is a meat cross and is considered a heavyweight of its kind. Turkeys are unpretentious in care, and in order to obtain benefits, it is enough to follow a few rules of feeding and growing. Considering that birds grow rapidly and consume little feed, more than one kilogram of delicious meat can be grown per season.

It's believed that turkey meat has the best taste compared to chicken, it is dietary and well absorbed in the body.

Reviews

For some reason, it is generally accepted that raising turkeys is a troublesome task. Nothing like this! It is necessary to devote no less time and effort than to chickens and ducks, and the meat is 2 or even 3 times more. Yes, there are some nuances, but they are present in any farm animal.

Youngsters on the run

The breed has no flaws, it is almost perfect, to the tips of its snow-white feathers. Big 6 is bred not only for meat, but also for feathers. With proper feeding and maintenance, young growth grows healthy and strong. Cross Big 6 is the best of the existing species.

Since the Big 6 cross appeared relatively recently, it can not be found in all yards, but only at professional breeders.

Due to its productive qualities, the cross easily outshines other breeds. The bird grows up in 3-5 months, gaining up to 20 kg of weight and eating 350 g of feed per day. Produces more eggs than other crosses and breeds.

Chicks are hatched both under a turkey and in an incubator. Adult birds look very beautiful, especially males. Home maintenance does not require any frills and heavy technology. Even a novice farmer can handle it: a spacious warm barn, without drafts and dampness.

BIG 6 turkey cross was developed by English breeders. Despite the fact that this happened quite recently in 2008, it is considered the most common in the world. It is also popular with Russian farmers. Birds are heavy meat species. The meat of the idea of ​​the BIG 6 cross is considered a dietary product. It is beneficial for people of all ages because it improves the body's ability to absorb fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It contains zinc, phosphorus and other substances necessary to enhance immunity.

Description of the breed

When creating the BIG 6 cross, such types of turkey as BIG 9 and BJT 8 were used. The new turkey species developed with their help inherited the best characteristics from them. Work on improving the cross continues at the present time.

What turkeys of the BIG 6 cross look like

The turkey of the BIG 6 cross differs from the turkey in its size. The male is much larger than the female. A special distinguishing feature of these birds is their white plumage, which has increased splendor. When turkeys unfurl their feathers, they look like fluffy balloons. Turkeys have a small black tuft of fluff on their chests. Particularly lush plumage in the bird is in the tail area.

The legs of the bird are sinewy and massive. A dense, stocky body is planted on them. The head of the turkeys is small, the chest is wide, slightly convex forward.Males have well-developed growths on the neck and head, similar to adornments. They resemble bright red earrings and a beard.

Breed characteristics

The popularity of the breed is due to its productivity. Adult males can gain weight up to 25 kg and more, females weigh on average 11-12 kg. One of the merits of the cross is fast growth. By the time they are three months old, they are gaining mass sufficient for slaughter. Females are raised to obtain meat for 105-110 days from the moment they hatch from eggs, males - 140-150 days. By the age of 90-100 days, the growth of the bird slows down sharply. Feeding turkey poults for meat then loses its commercial value.

Representatives of the BIG 6 cross show excellent results in terms of meat yield. It is kept at 80%. Moreover, 30% of it is brisket, which has a special value of white dietary meat. A turkey can produce up to 100-110 eggs per year. They are not inferior in their properties to chicken, but much larger in size. The weight of a turkey egg is 70-80 grams. The hatchability of chickens from eggs is 90% on average.

Birds of the BIG 6 cross are not only of the heavy type. Among them there are medium-sized turkeys. They are smaller and lighter. The mass of adults is 14-15 kg for males, 6-8 kg for females.

Features of behavior

Birds have large, powerful wings that allow them to fly to low surfaces. They love to tear the ground with their strong paws. They do this in search of worms and when they want to take a sand bath. Troughs with dry sand are installed for bathing these birds in premises for keeping them or on a walk.

Breed orientation

The cultivation of ideas of the BIG 6 cross makes sense not only for obtaining meat. Their egg production exceeds that of many other types of turkeys. Despite this, meat is considered the main direction of breeding turkeys. The high percentage of meat yield makes the turkeys of the BIG 6 cross the champions in this direction. Bird fluff is of particular value. It is particularly lightweight.

Egg production

During its productive cycle, the BIG 6 cross hen yields 105 eggs on average. Turkeys begin to lay eggs at the age of 7-9 months. The weight of one bird's egg ranges from 70 to 80 grams.

Features of breeding and growing turkeys at home

Breeding and raising turkey poults of the BIG 6 cross is not much different from other species and breeds of poultry. For breeding offspring at home, incubators of various designs are most often used.

Incubation features

Before laying eggs in the incubator, they are carefully selected. All eggs must be the same size. Their surface must be clean, free of cracks and chips. Many poultry farmers buy hatching eggs. The percentage of hatchability of turkey poults is 80-85%.

Eggs selected for incubation should not be harvested before the start of the process for no longer than a week. The yolk of the eggs should be in the center of the shell. In order to determine this, the eggs of turkeys are translucent on an ovoscope. The surface of eggs heated to a temperature of 18-20˚С is treated before laying with a special disinfectant solution.

The process of incubation of eggs of BIG 6 crosses lasts:

• in severe species - 28 days;
• in light species - 27 days.

Egg incubation takes place in several stages, each of which has its own modes.

Period, days	Temperature, ˚С	Humidity, %	Number of coups, times	Ventilation	Actions
1-8	37,5-38	60-65	4	No	On the 8th day, eggs are checked with an ovoscope and rejected
8-14	37,6-37,8	40-45	6	No	—
15-25	37,5-37,6	Up to 65	6	There is	Cooling mode is switched on daily for 10-15 minutes
26-28	36,6	Up to 75	No	There is	The intensity of ventilation increases

Time for pecking young animals:

• light cross-country - 25 days + 12 hours;
• heavy cross - 25 days + 12 hours.

Eggs are laid in the incubator with the blunt end down.

Features of feeding and keeping chicks

The first 2 months of turkey poult life are the most troublesome for farmers.At this time, young animals require special attention. It is kept separately from adult birds and other breeds of young animals. To grow them:

• Arrange a separate room. Before placing the turkey poults in it, it is treated with slaked lime or iodine cones. You can also use formaldehyde vapors for these purposes.
• For the first 4 weeks, poults can be kept in boxes or crates.
• In the first 5 days of life, for young animals, soft material is used as bedding, which from the 6th day can be replaced with small wood shavings, dry hay or straw.
• The place where the bird is kept is isolated from drafts. It is kept dry and clean.
• On the 6th or 11th day, the turkeys are given antibiotics.

The temperature of the room with turkeys in the first days of life is maintained at a level not lower than 33-35˚С.

Feeding

In the first days of life, turkey poults are fed with boiled eggs. The food is laid out on cardboard, thick paper or plywood. This is done so that the turkey poults do not damage their fragile beak against the walls of the feeder. On the 6th day, vitamin D 3 must be added to the food of young animals. It is repeated after fifty days.

Nystatin is used to protect young animals from aspergillosis. It is given to turkeys for 15 days of life. From the 2nd day young animals are fed with mash. They should have moderate moisture. Too wet food can cause blockage of the crop. From 2 weeks turkey poults are fed with greens. Sour milk is added to their feed.

Conditions for keeping and care of adult birds

The main conditions for keeping adult turkeys are: the absence of drafts in the poultry houses, dampness and a sufficient degree of illumination. Daylight hours for turkeys of this species should be at least 14 hours. For this, additional lighting is arranged in the room for their maintenance. Ventilation is used to ventilate the house.

It is very important to keep the room dry. Excessive humidity can cause illness and mortality in poultry. Walking is arranged next to the poultry house for turkeys. It can be sown with clover. This plant contains a large amount of protein that turkeys need for normal development.

The area of ​​the room for keeping turkeys is determined at the rate of 1 sq. meter for 1 bird head. The floor in the room rises to a height of at least 15 cm. The turkey roosts must be strong, as the birds have a large mass. You can replace them with shelves that rise above the floor to a height of at least 70 cm.Nests for brooders are made at least 40 * 40 cm in size.

In the room, boxes with ash-sand mixture for bathing birds, drinkers and feeders are installed. You need to clean up the poultry houses every day. Birds love cleanliness. Water is poured into drinking bowls at room temperature.

Diseases

Broiler turkeys suffer from a number of hereditary diseases. BIG 6 turkeys are no exception to this category of birds. They have problems with bone diseases, cardiovascular system and immunity against pathogenic microorganisms.

How birds carry disease

At an early age, turkey poults can become infected with infectious diseases. They lead to the death of young animals at the age of 1 to 30 days. With proper bird care, bird deaths are extremely rare. Despite all the health problems associated with genetics, birds have good immunity.

The most dangerous diseases for birds

Among the most dangerous and common diseases in turkeys of the BIG 6 cross:

• Histomoniasis. Contaminated feed is the cause of the disease. Turkeys can contract histomonosis through droppings or earthworms. Loss of appetite and thirst are signs of illness. Treat the disease with metranidazole.
• Coccidiosis. The disease is spread by the simplest unicellular organisms. Infection occurs through droppings. Signs of illness include loss of appetite, diarrhea, and blanching of the earrings. Treat the disease with bikos.
• Newcastle disease.A viral disease cannot be treated. It causes paralysis of the legs and wings of the bird and diarrhea. You can avoid the disease by vaccinating the bird.

Turkey meat is a healthy product rich in protein, magnesium, phosphorus and other elements important for the human body. It is highly valued on the market, however, compared to other varieties, it is much less common on sale, therefore, it is increasingly popular today to grow BIG 6 turkeys at home.

This breed appeared in Russia several years ago and immediately became in demand. BIG 6 turkeys grow large, allowing you to get a lot of meat. They are also a source of eggs, fluff and feathers. Birds are unpretentious in care and feeding, which makes it easier for farmers. Thanks to all this, raising broiler turkeys at home is extremely beneficial.

BIG 6 is the heaviest breed of turkeys. It is highly regarded as birds gain weight quickly. Growing turkeys BIG 6 allows private farms to achieve high profitability by selling eggs and meat.

Breed characteristics

The birds have white fluffy plumage, their body is stocky, the head is small. In terms of anatomical features, turkeys of this breed differ:

• bulging chest;
• thick legs;
• large wings;
• red earrings and a beard;
• ornaments on the neck and on the head of males.

Their feather is valued no less than meat, since it is very light and soft. Broiler turkeys at home grow up in a few months, after which they are sent to the slaughter.

The weight of the male reaches 25 kg, and the female - 11 kg.

About a third of the entire carcass falls on the sternum, and in general, the body weight yield is 80%. Over the entire period, females bring more than 100 eggs, which are known for their excellent taste. Due to the high percentage of chicks emerging from them, it is possible to independently breed and sell broiler turkeys at home. However, you should know some of the features of caring for them in order to get a healthy and large bird. You also need to be prepared for the fact that turkeys require a lot of attention. Therefore, caring for them takes a lot of time and requires a certain amount of money.

How to raise healthy turkey poults at home?

Despite the fact that turkeys of this breed are quite unpretentious, they need constant care. The first step is to prepare the house. Before placing turkey poults in it, the room must be ventilated. The temperature in it during the cold season should not drop below 20 degrees. Growing BIG 6 turkey poults at home requires maintaining it at a level of 30 degrees. As they grow, the temperature should be lowered, but this should be done gradually. Turkeys react poorly to its sharp fluctuations.

You can increase egg production by installing fluorescent lamps in the house.

The number of feeders and drinkers should be sufficient so that birds do not crowd and interfere with each other. In addition, for growing BIG 6 turkeys at home in the poultry house, it is necessary to put several containers filled with ash and sand, in which the turkeys can clean their plumage.

Straw bedding is placed on the floor of the house. It needs to be replaced twice a week.

The house should be ventilated regularly, as dampness and humidity can cause turkeys to get sick.

The bird dwelling should also be equipped with thick beams so that they can freely sit on them. Growing BIG 6 turkey poults at home, in the warm season they are released for walking, which requires a large space. If this is not possible, a solarium with a cement floor is built for the birds.

Feeding BIG 6 turkeys at home

Nutrition is one of the important aspects of care. Normal development and growth of turkeys is impossible without a balanced diet. Therefore, you should provide them with the necessary amount of food on time.At first, a special starter feed will be enough, but gradually the diet should be supplemented with:

• corn;
• wheat;
• barley;
• grated beets, carrots;
• rowan;
• fish oil;
• cottage cheese;
• greens and hay.

In order to prevent various diseases, young animals should be drunk with antibiotics. Trying to understand how to raise healthy turkey poults at home, many do not pay enough attention to the quality of the feed. Only fresh and high-quality products are suitable for poultry food. To increase their appetite and speed up weight gain, sprinkle the food with finely chopped onions. For small turkeys, it can be moistened with liquid dairy products. They manage to stimulate digestion with the help of wheat and chopped boiled eggs.

Do not use fatty feed for turkeys, as this provokes obesity.

Feeding BIG 6 turkeys at home in winter is carried out 3 times, in the warm season - at least 5 times a day. With the right diet, young animals quickly gain weight and develop well. If growth retardation is noticeable, chicks should be removed from adults, cleaned with drinking bowls and feeders, and ensured that quality feed is being used. If all the basic recommendations are followed, after a few months, the young should turn into large birds, ready for slaughter.

Subtleties of keeping turkey poults BIG 6 - video

Turkey meat is appreciated all over the world. Largely due to the ability to use it as a dietary product. Big 6 turkeys are the world's leading meat producers, bred by British breeders. The meat cross is known for its early maturity, high mass and vitality. Experts made attempts to create new hybrid breeds that could replace the Big-6 cross, but so far no one has been able to take the place of the latter. What features are characteristic of this breed, how to breed such turkeys in the household, and in what form is it better to acquire them?

Big-6 turkeys

Description of the cross Big-6

Turkeys belonging to the selection British Big-6 breed are large agricultural birds with light plumage and small head sizes. The color of the feather in turkeys and turkeys is white, with the exception of only a small area on the chest, which has a black color. The plumage is fluffy and very valuable for its lightness. But it should be borne in mind that the fluffiness of females is not as great as that of males.

Turkeys are fluffier than turkeys

In appearance, the following features can be noted:

• birds have dense, shiny plumage with a rather thick skin covering;
• individuals are distinguished by a flat and wide back;
• females and males have large wings, on which they are good at flying, so they are advised to trim the feathers on the wings;
• Among the differences in the breed are pronounced, convex pectoral muscles.

Due to the fact that birds reach high levels of live weight, they have strong, large and sinewy legs. In contrast, their head is rather small. But their main difference is in the presence of so-called corals - folds of skin. They are red and localized around the neck and head. Also, an appendage of skin, located on top of the beak, and reaching 15 cm during periods of an excited state of an individual.

Healthy livestock of Big-6 turkeys

Reference! The brighter the red color of "corals" in an individual, the healthier it is.

Turkeys are strong birds that can defend themselves when needed. However, keeping together with other species of birds can provoke unwanted conflicts between them. Therefore, breeders are advised to keep broiler turkeys apart, preferably as a family.

Characteristics of the Big-6 cross

With good and stable growth rates, the live weight of turkeys can be:

• up to 12 kg for females;
• up to 25 kg for males.

As for the number of eggs, up to 100 eggs can be obtained from one laying turkey per year, each of which weighs 80 g. The first clutches are made by turkeys aged 7 to 9 months.

Up to 100 eggs can be obtained from one laying turkey in a year.

When breeding offspring, incubation of chicks takes about a month - 26-28 days. At the same time, fertilized eggs give high hatchability - up to 75-85%. The output from the slaughter of poultry is 80%. In the distribution of muscle mass throughout the broiler body, about a third of the total body weight of the bird is in the chest area.

Turkeys of the Big-6 cross are distinguished by a large sternum

The daily food allowance for one turkey is from 250 to 350 grams, and the average amount of feed per 1 kg of live weight gain is 2 kg. If the diet is selected correctly, then already for 90 days of life, the weight of the turkey reaches 4-5 kg. After 150 days, this figure increases to 11-12 kg. The most suitable time for slaughtering a meat breed of turkeys is 3-4 months of age. After this moment, the growth of individuals stops, and the meat ages and becomes not so high-quality and tasty.

Important! Many breeders, after the first acquisition of hatching eggs or very young turkey poults, are faced with high mortality of chicks. Most often this is due to infectious infections received in the first days after removal from the incubator.

A lot of attention is paid to the health of turkey poults

The hereditary diseases currently inherent in turkey broilers can bring large losses to breeders, as a result of which the Big-6 cross genome is being studied and deciphered. If positive results are obtained, the birds will be more resistant to various diseases. Genome information and adjustments will also help to relieve this breed of problems with the development of bones, which are negatively affected by the rapid growth of mass.

Growing Big-6 turkeys at home

Breeding broiler turkeys on large poultry farms

If broiler turkeys are bred on an industrial scale, farmers use large, windowless poultry houses for this. They are equipped in accordance with the basic requirements for breed breeding, maintain constant lighting, are provided with a comfortable bedding and guarantee a stable microclimate. Often birds can be kept in cages.

Aviary with opening windows

However, the popularity of the breed is also stimulated by the breeding of meat turkeys in home gardens and small farms. The turkey house practically does not differ in technical requirements from the house for other turkey breeds and poultry species. But if breeding is supposed to be on a home farm, in the summertime the birds should mainly be outdoors on the walk, and only be driven into the barn at night. In any case, a major poultry house will be required.

Breeding turkeys of the Big-6 cross is possible at home

For the construction of the walls of the poultry house, it is advisable to use brick, or a material of no less strength, and fill the floors with concrete. If there are windows, you will need to install grilles on them so that the birds do not fly away. Plus to be able to open these windows. Separately, it is necessary to take care of the insulation of the building to reduce winter costs for maintaining heat in the poultry house. This is especially important due to the fact that for maximum growth and productivity, representatives of the Big-6 breed need a dry and warm microclimate.

To reduce costs in the winter, it is necessary to insulate the poultry house

In the southern wall of the house, you will need to make a hole 15 cm high from the floor. It is better to use straw, sawdust or hay as bedding, as long as it is always dry. Plus, if you plan to keep a large livestock, it is better to split the house into several sections in advance.

Tips for a novice farmer

Permissible population density of turkeys in the territory of the poultry house

Until the crescent	15
1-2	8-10
3-4	4-5
Adult turkey	1-2

Broiler turkeys need a lot of space

Feeding and keeping turkeys and turkeys

Feeding turkeys is carried out three times a day, and you should not overfeed broilers, because they are genetically prone to obesity. The morning and afternoon rations consist of a wet mixed feed containing cereals. Evening feeding should be done with dry grain feed.

Sample diet for turkeys

The grain content in turkey feed is very important as it provides the individuals with fat and protein. Therefore, the grain should be at least 65% of the total feed volume. Oilcake and meal should not be more than 1-2%, since already in this amount they provide the amino acids necessary for birds.

Grain mix for turkeys

To strengthen bones, supply the body with phosphorus and calcium, it is necessary to add flour from fish, meat, meat with bones, blood to the feed. Hay and straw are good sources of fiber, and it is best to feed turkeys with grass in summer.

Meat and bone meal

A balanced feed, which contains the required amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, is the key to good growth of young animals, successful weight gain by broilers, as well as high egg production in turkeys.

Self-preparation of compound feed

Not all breeders, especially small farmers, have the opportunity to purchase compound feed suitable for breeding a meat breed of turkeys. This can be both a lack of funds for industrial feed, and the lack of suppliers in a particular settlement. Then you should make the compound feed yourself.

Reference! Instead of whole grains, it is better to give the birds crushed grain, which can be crushed in a special crusher.

What can be included in compound feed:

• crushed wheat grain - 1/3 of the total feed volume;
• soybeans and corn grains - 1/5 of the volume is allocated to each component;
• premix of vitamins and minerals - 0.15 of the volume of feed;
• ground egg shells or shell rock;
• fish meal - 1/10 of the feed volume.

Crushed grain - the basis of a balanced feed

It is better not to add chalk to mixed feed, because if the quantities are incorrectly set, it can form into a lump and damage the digestive system of the bird. It is not recommended to substitute barley for wheat. Despite the fact that the growth of the live weight of individuals will go faster, the Big-6 turkeys may become obese.

Growing Big-6 turkey poults at home

Feeding rules

First, let's look at the rules for feeding turkey poults. As such, the process is not very difficult for the breeder. The first 3 days of the chick's life will need to be fed with boiled cereals from grain and boiled eggs. A constant supply of water and open access to it are mandatory. Chicks will need to be fed the freshest food at 3 hour intervals. You can add grated carrots, finely chopped greens there, but all food should be served in small portions so that the poults do not overeat. But you shouldn't leave them hungry either. After 3 days, their bodies will be able to perceive the mash made with milk. You can also add herb.

Feeding from the first days of life

The composition of the feed should be given special attention in the first 2 months of turkeys' life. In addition to the fact that the diet should be complete and include certain vitamins and minerals, babies will need to be fed with dairy products. For example, cottage cheese or yogurt.

Feeding turkeys

Greens are also an essential part of healthy baby food. You can add dandelion, clover, alfalfa, plantain, etc. to it. Green onions are a prophylactic agent for the good functioning of the digestive system. But do not give too much of it, although the Big 6 turkeys have a weakness for it.

Green onions are a preventive measure

The older the bird, the longer the feeding periods become. By 2 months, turkey poults can get by with 4 feedings.They can install special feeders, homemade or specialized. If the feeder is made independently, it cannot be made of metal, since the chick can damage its beak.

Homemade turkey feeder

At the end of the first week of life, poults are supplemented with vitamin D, which is then given again after 50 days. To carry out prevention against diseases, in the period from 6 to 11 days of life, it will be necessary to water the chicks with antibiotics.

Keeping turkey poults

The chicks should spend the first days of life in brooders, where the temperature is maintained at 30 degrees. Further, the plumage will gradually increase in turkeys, so the temperature can be gradually reduced.

The most suitable temperature will be 20-25 degrees for chicks with grown plumage. If the temperature in the brooder reaches 35 degrees and above, the chicks may experience heatstroke, or growth will be greatly slowed down.

This is due to the high metabolic rate in the rapidly growing turkey. As a result, his body generates a lot of heat, which cannot escape when the ambient temperature is high. In such cases, there is insufficient ventilation through the beak, and the bird cannot cool with sweat.

A dry microclimate is important for raising healthy livestock

Optimum temperature values ​​for keeping turkeys

1	32-35
2	29-32
3	27-29
4-13	20-27
14 and older	16-20

Grown chicks can be transferred to open-air cages and kept on a par with adults on the floor. In order for their skeleton to be strengthened and not so badly affected by the growth of body weight, they need enough space for walking. This is the only way to reduce the number of chicks that will be crippled by their own weight.

Walking is an important part of the health of Big 6 turkeys

The turkey house should be provided with straw bedding or a layer of sawdust. The bedding for birds is changed on average 2 times a week, but it should be thick enough so that the turkeys do not dig it to the floor, even if they start digging holes in it. And too thick litter increases the cost of keeping broiler turkeys. The required length of daylight hours, if there is such a need, is maintained using fluorescent lamps.

Poultry houses also require good ventilation to help keep the area dry and prevent condensation from forming.

Feeders and drinkers - what features need to be considered

Turkey poults, like adults, always need water. It should be kept clean at all times. Therefore, changing the water in the drinker should be carried out twice a day, after feeding the turkeys, when they rinse their beaks in the water. Water spills should not be allowed, since the Big-6 breed needs a dry microclimate, dampness is contraindicated for them. And for a little turkey is destructive. A wet chick almost always gets sick and dies, or stops growing and gaining weight normally.

Adult turkeys should have ample space next to the feeders

What tips can you use when choosing, creating and installing feeders:

1. It is advisable to put several feeders and drinkers so that all birds have free access to them, so that accuracy is not provoked. Otherwise, the birds may be malnourished. As a result, poor growth and weight gain.
2. Drinking bowls are recommended to choose wide and not too deep. They must be installed so that they do not overturn and the birds do not get wet.
3. For young and newly hatched chicks, it is necessary to feed on plywood, then accustom them to normal feeders. Or purchase feeders and drinkers of special designs for turkey poults.

Recall that the farmer will need to steadily monitor the condition of the feeders and drinkers. They must be constantly cleansed of previous meals, rinsed thoroughly with water.

Features of Big-6 meat turkeys

Since we have already talked about the main indicators of the productivity of this cross, we will pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of this breed.

You can get a lot of meat from a Big 6 turkey

Pros of the meat breed of turkeys:

1. Cross ranks first in terms of the mass of individuals.
2. Rapid growth of young animals to full-fledged adult birds. Weight gain takes place in record time, and minimum feed costs are required.
3. In addition to dietary meat, the plumage of broiler turkeys is also valued. It differs in softness and lightness, practically not inferior in quality to goose.
4. The largest egg production.
5. Meat products account for 80% of the total live weight, of which 30% is breast.

What are the disadvantages of breeding the farmer will have to put up with:

1. Turkeys require separate maintenance due to their conflict when communicating with each other and with other species of birds.
2. The house will need to be constantly warmed up in winter and kept dry inside.

What diseases accompany the Big-6 cross

Newcastle disease, characteristic mainly of young chicks. It is lethal for them, therefore, to prevent a large fall of chicks, preliminary vaccination will be required. The main signs: the appearance of mucus in the goiter, the limbs are paralyzed, the stool is liquid, gray-green-yellow in color. The disease is incurable.

Newcastle disease is fatal

Aspergillotoxicosis. Appears with improper nutrition, or poor quality litter becomes a source. Among the main symptoms are weakness, diarrhea, rapid breathing, lack of mobility, loss of appetite, stunting. Death occurs suddenly, usually accompanied by seizures. After the first signs of the disease, the litter and food must be changed. As much dairy products as possible are added to the diet.

At the first symptoms of the disease, you should contact your veterinarian.

Respiratory mycoplasmosis. Differs in minimal mortality, it is treated with the help of special means that can be obtained from veterinarians. The disease is accompanied by coughing, wheezing, puffy eyes in birds. The growth of the individual also slows down.

Mycoplasmosis is accompanied by puffy eyes in birds

Histomoniasis, expressed by liver damage and diseases of the cecum in the chick. This is usually due to poor disinfection of the house interior. The disease is accompanied by frothy diarrhea with yellow-green discharge. In this case, deworming of birds and treatment with special preparations prescribed by a veterinarian are required.

Features of the acquisition of thoroughbred turkeys

Buying any purebred bird comes with a risk. Especially if the farmer is trying to buy livestock from a reseller. The main thing here is to try to contact a trusted supplier. But we will try to point out a few features by which you can increase the likelihood of a successful purchase.

If you are purchasing an adult bird, you need to look at its paws. The presence of a large number of corns, light scales and growths indicates a large age of the individual. It is best to acquire females at the age of 2-4 years, and males in the region of 3 years.

When choosing turkey poults, you need to be especially careful, because they practically do not differ from any other breed with white plumage. When dealing with a reseller, it is better not to ask the question directly that this particular breed is needed.

A distinctive feature of a turkey is an outgrowth on the beak

In small turkey poults, the only distinguishing feature compared to chicks is the small growth located on the beak. In chickens, the beak is completely smooth.

Should you buy hatching eggs?

This question is asked by many novice farmers who do not know which will be a more profitable purchase - eggs for an incubator or chickens. Despite the fact that the number of pros and cons in both cases is approximately the same, it would be better to focus on eggs. It is much more difficult to get chickens, and there is a possibility of acquiring a pig in a poke. It is also more convenient, since eggs of Big-6 turkeys have high hatchability.Therefore, the investment will pay off well.

Hatching eggs of the cross Big-6

Someone prefers to first raise a bird, and then wait for an egg from it, but it may not always be fertilized in such cases. In this, turkeys are comparable to chickens.

If eggs were purchased for growing in an incubator, the time they are placed in the apparatus depends on the purpose for which they were purchased. It takes about 150 days for an individual to gain the required weight.

Daily turkey poults

Most often, eggs are purchased so that the turkeys grow up for the New Year holidays or another time. Here the age at which it is planned to slaughter the bird is calculated, and from this it is already to determine the time of laying the hatching egg in the incubator. With the help of an ovoscope, the number of empty eggs that are removed is determined. In the incubator, eggs should spend 26-28 days.

Reviews of farmers about Big-6 turkeys

As mentioned above, most breeders face the challenge of finding the right feed for their beef broiler turkeys. And this is due to the lack of information about the correct content of the breed. As a result, many breeders fed broiler turkeys on the same diet as, for example, chickens. This negatively affected the health of the livestock.

As noted by farmers, it is not necessary to feed the meat turkeys of the Big-6 breed with fatty food, as this leads to early obesity of the turkey. Plus, there were problems with the work of internal organs, in particular the liver.

Some owners of this breed have noticed that the male Big-6 turkeys cannot fertilize the female on their own. Therefore, this has to be done manually.

Much attention should be paid to stable long walks, which will help strengthen the bird's skeleton.

As for the keeping of birds, many respond quite positively. They say the most important thing is to keep the house clean. Some people use infrared heated floors to keep the mat from getting wet.

Big 6 turkeys will be a good choice for a neat farmer

If you decide to raise turkeys of such a unique breed as Big-6, then in most cases breeding them will not cause a lot of trouble. Especially if you follow the basic simple requirements, which include ensuring comfortable conditions in the poultry house, the presence of fresh herbs and dairy products. No less attention should be paid to stable long walks, which will help strengthen the bird's skeleton. Observing all these rules, you can achieve good growth and weight gain in individuals, which will bring a good income to the farmer in the future when selling fresh meat from young turkeys.

Video - Growing Big-6 turkeys at home