Leaflet No. 229. 
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES. 
The Breeding" and Rearing of Turkeys. 
Until comparatively recent years English turkey-raising 
for market was chiefly conducted in the eastei-n counties, 
the greater proportion being marketed from Norfolk and 
Cambridge. Lattei'ly, however, breerling has become more 
extended, and outside competition has considerably increased. 
On the other hand, the demand has also increased, and there 
has been a noteworthy lengthening of the season. Turkeys 
may now be said to be in season from November to April, 
and turkey poults from about July to October. The special 
demand for large birds is chiefly limited to the periods 
immediately before and after Christmas, when the value is 
dominated by weight, and the price per lb. rises with 
increasing heaviness ; but birds of medium M^eight meet the 
requirements of the majority of consumers at all times, and 
hens of from 10 lb. to 14 lb. are largely in demand. 
There is no class of producer so favourably placed for the 
breeding and rearing of turkeys as the farmer ; indeed, it is 
scarcely possible for others to undertake their production 
successfully, as turkeys require an ample range and home- 
grown food, and without these the cost of keeping them 
becomes excessive on account of the length of time between 
hatching and marketing. 
Suitable Situations. 
Although turkeys may be raised on heavy land the 
operation is difficult, particularly in a wet season, and as a 
rule they do better on light soils, except in very dry weather, 
when there may be some deficiency in the green food. The 
best results are obtained upon a rich soil, which is not 
absolutely heavy in character. Upon some farms a choice 
is possible, in which case the pasture must be selected for 
rearing according to the prevailing conditions of the season, 
preference being given to a dry and sheltered position, 
facing south and protected from cold winds. 
Young turkeys will not thrive in cold bleak positions, and 
every advantage must be taken of banks, or hedges, which 
will serve as wind breaks. If these are not available, wattle 
(14792—6.) Wt. P 2428—41. 25000. 2/10. D & S. (5.) 
