Canadian turkeys: description and weight of the breed, growing at home

Canadian breed of turkeys is considered one of the most promising among breeders. These birds are raised for various tasks. They are a source of dietary meat, tasty eggs, tender fluff. These birds are very large. Moreover, their indisputable advantage is the rapid weight gain. At the same time, birds are considered unpretentious to the conditions of detention.

Description and characteristics of Canadian turkeys

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

beautiful dark feathers with ashy markings or pure white;
fan tail;
big scarlet blob on chin;
powerful chest;
coral-colored growths located on the neck and head;
strong legs.

Many farmers argue 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 old, they resemble adult ducks in weight. Already by 3 months, birds reach slaughter weight. By this time, males weigh 30 kilograms, and females - 16. At this stage, weight gain stops, and therefore it becomes unprofitable to feed birds.

In addition to a large amount of meat, turkeys bring tasty and he althy eggs. The laying period lasts 15 months. During this period, females bring at least 100 eggs weighing 75 grams.

Pros and cons

Canadian turkeys have many advantages.

Pros and constasty and tender meat;rapid development and early maturation;undemanding to growing conditions;pronounced maternal instinct;high hatchability parameters of chickens - up to 93%.frequent need for artificial insemination;sensitivity of young birds to temperature parameters;the need for a year-round presence of grass in the diet.

Maintenance and care requirements

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

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.
Birds are demanding on lighting. Therefore, the premises are recommended to be well lit.
The turkey house must be free. It is definitely worth installing perches in it. They are recommended to be placed 1 meter from the floor.
The cleanliness of feeders and drinkers is considered a prerequisite for the productive cultivation of birds.
It is important to monitor the humidity parameters - the house cannot be damp. It is also recommended to avoid drafts in the room. Bedding should always be kept 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 are great at gaining weight.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. In 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 diverse. Since birds are considered omnivores, it is permissible to give them the following:

fresh vegetables;
non-sour dairy products;
herbs - birds love clover, alfalfa, speck, vegetable tops;
boiled cereals;
eggs.

Adult birds in the morning and evening should be given compound feed and cereals. During the day, it is recommended to feed turkeys with wet mashes with herbs and vegetables. They should also add meat and bone meal.

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

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

Breeding

Suitable breeding age for Canadian turkeys is 2-4 years. At the same time, males show maximum activity at 2-3 years.Males are usually 2 times larger than females. That is why birds have certain mating problems. In such a situation, it is impossible to do without artificial insemination of birds.

Hair hens have a good maternal instinct. They are able to incubate eggs and take care of the chicks. To avoid depletion of birds, feeders and drinkers are placed near the nest. Nests should be installed 50 centimeters from the floor. Their dimensions should match the size of the bird - on average, they are 60x60 centimeters. Equally important is the presence of clean and dry bedding. It should be made from straw or hay.

Profitability

Growing turkeys of this breed is considered a profitable occupation. The excellent profitability of the breed is due to the high rate of growth and development of birds. At the same time, birds are undemanding to the conditions of detention. 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 beriberi. There is also a risk of impaired appetite or the appearance of rickets. If the conditions are not observed, the birds face dangerous infections - smallpox, tuberculosis, helminthic invasion.

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

On the first day after birth, it is recommended that chicks be given a solution of ascorbic acid with glucose content.
On the 2nd-5th day the birds need Amino-vital or Irex-vital preparation. To do this, take a pinch of funds for 1 liter of water.
For 6-10 days it is recommended to give birds a little "Furozolidone". The substance helps prevent intestinal infections.
Amprolium is recommended for 15-20 days. It helps prevent coccidiosis.
Metronidazole should be given on the 40th day. It is recommended to use the product for 4 days. It helps to avoid contamination of birds with protozoa.

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 provide careful care and a balanced diet.