THL CARE OF YOUNG TURKEYS. 



47 



Turkey eggs are almost always fertile, and the only test usually made Is a lew days 

 (three or four) prior to hatching, when if the eggs are put in warm water, those with live 

 chicks In them will " kick." These may then ba returned to the nest, and those that give no 

 motion discarded. 



The practice when the eggs are hatching varies just as with those hatching chickens. Some 

 advise letting the nests alone until all eggs are hatched ; others say, take the little poults from 

 the nest as hatched and put in a warm place, wrapping them in flannel. It is a point each 

 keeper must determine for himself in accordance with the disposition of the hens or turkeys he 

 is using, and also in accordance with his own experience. One person will examine nests 

 without seeming to annoy hens in the least, while another will find his hens resent any 

 interference. This is due to differences in people, probably cannot be changed, and each must 

 act as his experience shows will give him best results. * 



The Care of Young Turkeys. 



No food need be given the young turkeys the first day, but the mother should be fed. 

 If the nest is so situated that a small pen can be made in front of it, it is a good plan to let 

 the brood remain there quietly for some days. If the nest is not suitably located lor this, 

 the brood should be removed to a coop with small run attached. A coop with a board 

 bottom is preferred, as the young turkeys are very susceptible to dampness, and » floored 

 coop is dryer. 



The pen for a brood of little turkeys should be made of boards twelve to sixteen inches 

 wide, set on edge, and enclosing a space about eight feet wide one way by twelve to sixteen 

 feet the other. The little turkeys are at first much less active and rugged than little chickens, 

 and should be confined to this pen for about ten days. It is better that, if possible, this pen 

 should be on grass land, for little turkeys, like goslings, want green food from the start. It 

 they cannot have a green run green food should l>e provided. Grit and charcoal must also 

 be provided, and lice must be kept down by dusting with an Insecticide the same as with 

 young chickens. 

 Most authorities insist on the necessity of altogether avoiding dampness, keeping the young 



Turkey's Nesi in Cleft of Rock, with Loose Boards. 



