Turkeys and Duck

Raising Turkeys on Pasture

Turkeys can be a great addition to a poultry farm. A flock can be produced over the course of one season and the income generated from holiday turkey sales can be a great, end of year perk. There is also a certain amount of risk to consider in the production of turkeys. But done right, you will have many, many happy customers come the end of November.

Turkeys are very different from chickens and it is important to develop a specific management plan for your flock. It is important to pay specific attention to pest and disease management in turkeys as they can be more susceptible to certain parasites, namely Histomonas meleagridis, commonly known as "Blackhead."

To begin your pasture-raised turkey flock, you will want to consider:

Finding the right turkey genetics and hatchery,
Brooder management of the chicks,
Field housing, water and feeding systems,
A grazing plan for your land,
Pest and disease management,
Protection from predators,
Feed- type, storage, source, feeding schedule,
Marketing and slaughter schedule

A note on genetics: The majority of turkey available in grocery stores is a breed called the Broad Breasted White turkey. Bred in the 1950's, the Broad Breasted White was developed for fast growth, lots of breast meat, and white feathers (less visible pin feathers for the consumer.) Lately there has been increased interest in heritage breed turkeys- breeds that have been in production for hundreds of years that exhibit very different characteristics (and flavor) than their modern counterparts. Choosing a heritage breed may be a way to distinguish your farm and get a premium price at market.

Marketing turkey is very similar to marketing broiler chickens. Please see the meat chicken page for more information on slaughter regulations, packaging, labeling and safe handling.

Turkey Resources

Turkey Care Practices (UCCE)

Small Flock Turkey Production (Penn State CE)

American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC)

Pasturing Turkeys (ALBC)

The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA)

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA)

The Outdoor Duck Flock

If you can raise happy, healthy ducks you will have no trouble finding a market for both eggs and meat. There is very little pasture-based duck production currently and consumers and chefs alike seem to always be looking for duck.

While similar in many ways to raising chickens, ducks have a few unique needs that set them apart from other poultry. Because of their bills and webbed feet, ducks will use pasture very differently than chickens or turkeys. While ducks do not need access to large bodies of water to thrive (ponds, lakes) the do need access to enough water to submerge their backs in (a kiddie pool with fresh, daily water can suffice.) Without the ability to get wet, ducks will be unable to groom properly and can suffer from skin ailments.

As with other poultry species, to begin your pasture-raised duck flock, you will want to consider:

Finding the right duck genetics and hatchery,
Brooder management of the ducklings
Field housing, water and feeding systems,
A grazing plan for your land,
Pest and disease management,
Protection from predators,
Feed- type, storage, source, feeding schedule,
Egg collection, processing, storing and labeling,
Marketing and slaughter schedule.

Marketing duck eggs and meat is very similar to marketing chickens eggs and meat. Please see the chicken meat and chicken egg marketing pages for more information.

Duck Resources

Raising Ducks in Small Flocks (UCCE)

Muscovy Duck Care Practices (UCCE)

The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA)

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA)

Ducks and Geese (AGMRC)