The Rural Voice, 1978-12, Page 7by Great Grandpa. Turkeys, along with chickens, ducks, geese
and honey bees, were termed: "Inferior Animals", and hereis
what Mr. Read had to say on their care. Turkeys can often be
profitably kept by farmers who live in thinly settled sections. The
eggs should be put under a large hen. About four and a half
weeks are required for hatching.
Young turkeys are extremely tender, and must be carefully
handled. A few hours after they break the shell, they should,
with the hen, be put into the coop which stands in a warm dry
place. For at least a month they must be kept from the hot sun,
must be shut in the coop in rainy weather and must be kept in
every morning until the dew is off the grass. The coop must not
be placedon grass land, and should not be close to mowing lots.
The food should be carefully prepared and regularly given.
Commence feeding the chicks when six to eight hours old, with
boiled eggs and crumbs of bread broken into fine pieces. After a
few days, boiled sour milk with cooked Indian meal may be
given. Uncooked meal should not be given to young chicks. A
little meat chopped fine may be given occasionally and oatmeal
dough willbe good for a change in the diet. Feed often and
provide plenty of fresh water. The latter should be so arranged
that they can drink when they choose, but still be unable to get
into the dish containing it.
Until they are three months old, the young turkeys must be
kept dry and very carefully fed. After this time they must be fed
well. but will be able to look after themselves to quite an extent.
They may be profitably fattened at any time after they are five
months old When it is desired to fatten them quickly, they
should be shut into a comfortable pen, and fed on cooked meal,
boiled potatoes and oats. It is said that a small quantity of
charcoal, finely pulverized, with their food proves a great
advantage. Plenty of pure water 'should be given, and clean
gravel should also be supplied.
HOEGY
FARM SUPPLY LTD,
Brodhagen, Ontario
Tel. 345-2941
After hours 345-2243
*BARN WASHING
AND DISINFECTING
Spraying with CARBOLA
whitens and disinfects as it dries
*CATTLE SPRAYING
For Lice and
warble control.
•Seaforth •Brodhagen
•Dublin
•Mitchell
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THE RURAL VOICE/DECEMBER 1978 PG. 7