Chickens and turkeys can be raised together, although it is always best to keep them separate if possible. If they are to be kept together, they must be given a much bigger area to live in. This will allow them space from each other and stop them from getting too cramped, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
Another important factor in this is to look into, is whether the local area is free from a disease called Histomoniasis, or more commonly known as Blackhead. It is wise to ask around others who keep poultry locally to see whether they have or have had any problems with the disease. The reason this is related to keeping chickens and turkeys together, is that chickens can carry the disease and even live with it, showing very few symptoms and very rarely die from it. Turkeys, on the other hand, do not have the same level of resistance and contract this disease fairly easily and will die from it if they do not receive treatment. The disease is contagious and will pass through the turkeys if it is present. The signs may be difficult to spot, especially if they are pretty much left to their own devices on a day to day basis. Turkeys with blackhead will tend to eat less, which can be understandably hard to spot if many birds are kept together, and due to this will start to lose weight. They can also become unsociable; opting to spend time alone or in a corner.
Young birds are far more susceptible to the disease and are much more likely to die from blackhead if it is contracted. It is therefore advisable to keep the newly hatched birds away from the main flock. The disease can live for a long time in the ground and so even if symptoms have yet to show or an outbreak has been treated; the ground may still be contaminated. In conclusion, turkeys and chickens can be kept together but is worth spending some time considering the options.
Another important factor in this is to look into, is whether the local area is free from a disease called Histomoniasis, or more commonly known as Blackhead. It is wise to ask around others who keep poultry locally to see whether they have or have had any problems with the disease. The reason this is related to keeping chickens and turkeys together, is that chickens can carry the disease and even live with it, showing very few symptoms and very rarely die from it. Turkeys, on the other hand, do not have the same level of resistance and contract this disease fairly easily and will die from it if they do not receive treatment. The disease is contagious and will pass through the turkeys if it is present. The signs may be difficult to spot, especially if they are pretty much left to their own devices on a day to day basis. Turkeys with blackhead will tend to eat less, which can be understandably hard to spot if many birds are kept together, and due to this will start to lose weight. They can also become unsociable; opting to spend time alone or in a corner.
Young birds are far more susceptible to the disease and are much more likely to die from blackhead if it is contracted. It is therefore advisable to keep the newly hatched birds away from the main flock. The disease can live for a long time in the ground and so even if symptoms have yet to show or an outbreak has been treated; the ground may still be contaminated. In conclusion, turkeys and chickens can be kept together but is worth spending some time considering the options.
