546 COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



quantities of food, they must have an abundance of exercise. 

 The idea is entirely logical. Turkeys are large birds, semi-wild 

 by nature, possessed of a roving disposition, and fully capable of 

 taking care of themselves. To confine them is to impose a feel- 

 ing of constraint and worriment, over which they never cease to 

 fret. To do well turkeys must have range. Only a few should 

 be attempted in a confined space, and even then they will require 

 painstaking care. 



Feeds. — Much of the so-called bad luck in turkey raising — infer- 

 tility, soft-shelled eggs and impaired vigor — is due to improper 

 feeding. Avoid having the breeding stock too fat. If they have 

 become so during the winter season, endeavor to reduce them to 

 medium flesh before the mating season. Oats is one of the best 

 feeds during the breeding months, with an occasional feeding of 

 wheat, corn, barley and ground bone. Grit, oyster shells and 

 charcoal should be kept within easy reach of the birds at all 

 times, also a plentiful supply of fresh drinking water. 



Roosts. — ^Turkeys do better when they can roost in the open. 

 Only in storms do they seek protection, and not always then. 

 Fences and trees are preferable to tight houses, for the turkey 

 must have unrestricted ventilation. It is most unwise to com- 

 pel them to roost with other poultry. If found necessary to 

 house them, which is recommended in extremely cold climates, 

 their quarters should be roomy and perfectly ventilated. The 

 ideal shelter consists of an open-front shed or house, which is 

 sufficient to protect them from heavy storms and from enemies, 

 such as dogs. Foxes take a heavy toll of turkeys annually, 

 especially if there is much brush or wooded areas nearby. 



With the approach of cold weather, when insect food and 

 greens become scarce, an increased grain diet must be provided 

 for the growing turkeys. Do not give the flock large quantities 

 at first, but work up the supply gradually, until they are having 

 all they will eat up clean. Wheat and corn is about the best 

 ration. Keep them growing and fattening as fast as possible, 

 so that by the time Thanksgiving week arrives, and prices are 

 usually the best, they will be in prime condition for marketing. 



