Thinking about adding some feathered friends to your backyard? Turkey poults for sale can be a fun and rewarding choice if you want fresh meat or lively pets. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find top-quality day-old turkeys, set up a safe brooder, and keep your birds thriving. Let’s dive into boosting your backyard farming game with healthy, happy turkeys.
Why Choose Turkey Poults
Raising turkey chicks offers perks you might not get with other poultry. Here are a few reasons to consider adding these birds to your flock:
- Efficient feed conversion, which means less spend on feed and more weight gain
- Robust immune systems that cut down on vet bills (Freedom Ranger Hatchery)
- Tender, flavorful meat that’s in high demand for holidays and farm-to-table sales
- Distinctive plumage—especially white turkey poults—that makes spotting health issues easier
You’ll soon see why these young turkeys can become the star of your backyard farm.
Find Reputable Hatcheries
Shopping from trusted hatcheries sets you up for success. Here’s a quick comparison of top suppliers:
| Hatchery | Breeds Available | Shipping & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cackle Hatchery | Heritage turkeys, broad breasted turkeys, bargain specials | Fast shipping, bulk and small orders possible (Cackle Hatchery) |
| Chickens for Backyards | Black Slate, White Broad Breasted, Bronze, Bourbon Red, Royal Palm, Blue Slate, Black Spanish, Narragansett, assorted heritage | Order early in the season—they sell out fast (Chickens for Backyards) |
| Freedom Ranger Hatchery | Heavy white turkey poults (straight run) | Seasonal shipments fill up quickly, mixed sexes (Freedom Ranger Hatchery) |
| StrombergsChickens | Broad breasted bronze, colorful heritage breeds like Bourbon Red | Free shipping on orders over $150 (StrombergsChickens) |
Pick a hatchery based on breed selection, shipping windows, and any minimum order requirements.
Set Up Your Brooder
Like all day-old chicks for sale, turkey poults are delicate in their first weeks. A proper brooder keeps them warm, dry, and fed.
Maintain Proper Temperature
- Week 1: 95°F under a heat lamp
- Lower by 5°F each week until poults are fully feathered (6–8 weeks)
- Use a reliable thermometer to monitor hot and cool zones
Choose Bedding and Space
Gather basic chick brooder supplies before your poults arrive:
- Large wood shavings for litter (dry and low-dust)
- Heat lamp with protective guard
- Feeder and waterer sized for poults
- At least 1 sq ft per bird to prevent crowding
Keeping the brooder clean helps prevent pasty butt and respiratory issues.
Provide Starter Feed
Offer a free-choice starter feed with at least 28 percent protein for the first 6 weeks. As your poults grow:
- Males may eat 0.75–1.5 lbs per day
- Females may eat 0.5–0.8 lbs per day
- Always keep fresh, clean water within reach
Raise Poults with Care
Once poults are feathered, it’s time to move them out of the brooder and into more spacious housing.
Create Proper Housing
- Confined setup: 3–4 sq ft per bird
- Free-range setup: 100 sq ft per bird, with secure fencing
- Ensure good ventilation, protection from rain or wind, and shade
Monitor Health Regularly
Notice any wobble, pasty buildup, or labored breathing? Check birds daily and isolate any showing signs of illness. A quick visual scan can save you time and headaches down the road.
Select the Right Breed
Different turkey breeds suit different goals—from gourmet meat to heritage flock appeal.
Heritage Turkey Breeds
Heritage types grow more slowly but boast deeper flavor and hardiness on pasture. If you’re after a classic farmstead vibe, explore heritage turkey breeds.
Broad Breasted Turkeys
These are the heavy white poults known for rapid growth. Toms can hit 55 lbs and hens over 30 lbs in as little as 22 weeks, making them ideal for a Thanksgiving centerpiece (Freedom Ranger Hatchery).
Order and Ship Safely
Getting your poults at the right time keeps stress low and survival rates high.
Time Your Purchase
Aim to order between early and mid-August, so your poults have 16–22 weeks to reach market-ready size before late-fall holidays.
Prepare for Arrival
- Double-check your minimum order chicks policy
- Read up on our shipping live chicks guide for comfortable travel
- Line up your brooder and supplies at least 48 hours before they arrive
A little prep goes a long way toward a smooth first week.
Key Takeaways
- Turkey poults convert feed efficiently, boost protein output, and offer a fun farm project
- Compare top hatcheries like Cackle and Freedom Ranger before you buy
- Your brooder needs proper heat, bedding, feed, and space from day one
- House poults with enough room—3–4 sq ft confined, 100 sq ft free-range
- Choose heritage breeds for flavor or broad breasted for size
Now that you know where to find turkey poults and how to care for them, pick a hatchery and start your flock. Got a tip for first-time poults? Drop it in the comments so we can all learn together.