Fawn turkey: description and characteristics of the breed, breeding and care

Uzbek fawn breed of turkeys was obtained through careful selection. As a result, scientists managed to obtain birds that are maximally adapted to growing in Asia. Birds are widely spread in the North Caucasus. They are also actively bred in Tatarstan and Uzbekistan. In order for the birds to grow and develop normally, it is important to provide them with careful care. Equally important are a balanced diet and the prevention of pathologies.

The history of the fawn turkey

This Uzbek breed was obtained in Central Asia by the famous breeder N.Zolotukhin. The poultry farmer, together with a team of scientists, carried out intensive work. It was aimed at increasing the productivity of birds and their adaptation to different climatic conditions. For selection, local breeds of birds were used, which were distinguished by high vitality.

Description and characteristics of the breed

The birds of this breed are characterized by medium sizes. They have a strongly built body and rich reddish-yellow plumage. Due to the lush feathers, turkeys seem quite large. They are characterized by an elongated and thin neck, as well as a medium head. The legs and beak are small.

Adult turkeys reach a mass of 6-7 kilograms. Males weigh 10-13 kilograms. Young birds aged 3.4-4 months reach 4-4.5 kilograms. However, slaughtering birds at this age is not worth it.

This breed is characterized by not too high egg production parameters. During the year, the turkey brings 60-65 eggs. However, 68% of them are fertilized and can be used to hatch chicks using an incubator.

Despite the relatively low egg production, birds easily adapt to various conditions of detention and are characterized by high vitality. Therefore, the bred offspring survive and reach adulthood. The disadvantage of the breed is considered to be insufficient early maturity and a slow growth process.

These turkeys are characterized by a wonderful taste of meat, which has excellent dietary properties. Because this product is suitable for people who are forced to diet.

This type of bird is characterized by a calm disposition. Adults rarely fight and do not attack other animals. This is important because the birds are large in size. Turkeys of this breed live in small flocks until puberty. Then they also form herds of 1 single male and 2-3 females.

Pros and cons

Pros and consexcellent survival parameters;undemanding to the conditions of detention;the ability to release birds to pasture.low egg production parameters;low hatchability;not too high quality meat products.

Features of maintenance and care

Fawn turkeys are undemanding to the conditions of detention. However, some rules still need to be followed. Birds are able to fly, therefore it is recommended to walk birds in aviaries with canopies. In summer, it is worth providing turkeys with free range. To do this, it is recommended to protect a large area for birds. Birds are able to walk in the fresh air from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn. And they do it from morning to evening. On a walk, turkeys eat grass and insects.This helps reduce feed costs.

In winter, birds should be kept in a dry and warm barn. There should be no drafts in the room, as this will lead to the development of pathologies and even the death of birds.

To avoid the appearance of musty air, it is recommended to create a ventilation system in the house. Straw or sawdust should be used as bedding for the floor. Before settling the birds in the barn, all surfaces should be treated with disinfectants. This will help to avoid the development of dangerous pathologies.

Feeding the birds

Turkeys need a varied diet. It is especially important to monitor the diet in winter, when birds live indoors. Adults should be fed three times a day. In the morning and evening, turkeys need to be given wet mixtures. It is recommended to add chopped greens to them. In the evening, grains are poured into the bird feeders.

The stores sell ready-made feed for turkeys. It is permissible to replace cereals with them or dilute wet mixers. In order to maintain a normal weight, males should be given the following foods in the evening:

• sprouted grains of barley, oats or wheat;
• carrot;
• cheese;
• beans, peas and other legumes;
• grain minerals.

For females, yeast, sprouted cereals, food with B vitamins are introduced into the diet. This helps to make eggs better. Also, herbal flour and chopped root crops are introduced into the diet.

Fawn turkeys need a lot of water. It is recommended to pour it into small tanks or buckets.Birds will turn over another container. In order for birds to receive a sufficient amount of carotene and vitamin C in winter, it is recommended to add spruce and pine needles to wet mixtures. It should be finely chopped beforehand.

How to breed turkeys?

Only the best turkeys should be used for breeding birds. In this case, the parent herd is finally formed at the age of 6 months. Eggs should be collected daily. It is important to ensure that they are intact and do not contain damage. For breeding turkeys, it is better to use an incubator. Before laying the eggs, it is recommended to clean and disinfect well.

Possible diseases of the breed

Fawn turkeys have strong immunity. However, it is important to consider that the breeding herd often has abnormalities in the functioning of the heart and liver. Therefore, birds should be given special means to maintain these systems.

To prevent infectious pathologies such as helminthiasis, smallpox, tuberculosis, it is worth monitoring the condition of the poultry house.To do this, it is disinfected with "Chloroform" or "Chlorophos". Fawn turkeys are popular among farmers. They are characterized by undemanding care and good survival. At the same time, it is important to properly feed the birds and provide them with free walking.

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