FREE RANGE MANAGEMENT of TURKEYS (as a Guide Only)

PREPARING THE RANGE

Spray 0.5 metre wide with weed killer on the prospective route of the electric fence three weeks before erection.

European legislation dictates that free range turkeys must be stocked at no more than 2,500 birds per hectare on the range.

Depending on the condition of the range, an apron of hoggin or stone rejects may be needed outside the doors / pop holes to avoid a build-up of mud.

Lime should be scattered around the pop holes each spring to prevent a build-up of parasites (at the rate of 0.5kg per square metre)

If the whole range needs treating (worms etc) this is equivalent to 5 tonnes per hectare.

Use one feeder and one drinker for every 100 birds.

INTRODUCING THE TURKEYS TO THE RANGE

Covered housing should be a maximum of three birds per square metre (2.5 square foot per bird).

By five weeks the poults should be off heat and hardened off by about six weeks (summer weather) and be ready to let onto the range.

Avoid inclement weather for the first days on the range.

FIRST JOB IN THE MORNING

Turn electric fence on. If a night predator problem is suspected, it may be wise to leave the electric fence on for 24 hours a day to deter them
from coming near.

Open all the pop holes or doors to let birds on to range.

Check fence is working.

In the building, litter down with fresh straw - a little everyday is better than a lot once a week.

One proven system is to place bales, spread at 3m intervals over the floor.

The bales must be very firm, otherwise they will soon open up and disperse.

They are welfare friendly as they enrich the environment for the turkeys.

FREE RANGE MANAGEMENT of TURKEYS (as a Guide Only)

As the birds peck the straw out the straw gets ‘chopped’ becoming more
absorbent. The turkeys get exercise and the timid birds can ‘hide’.

Check and correct any feed and water spills.

LAST JOB AT NIGHT JUST BEFORE DUSK

Drive birds from range into shed and shut all the pop holes.

NB
A light in the shed coming on at 16.00 hours or at dusk, whichever is latest will draw most of the birds back into the shed.
A low light - about 15 or even 40 watts on all night - is very helpful to stop panics and spooking and encourage weight gain.

GENERAL FACTS
Stocking density:
Housing -.....1-5 weeks 10 per sq metre Housing -.....5 weeks+ 25 kgs per sq metre
Free range - 6 sq metres per bird