Welcome to the Brooder: Raising Our First Turkeys

If you ask ten farmers what the most fragile baby animal on the farm is, at least nine of them will say turkey poults. Unlike baby chicks, which hatch with a robust instinct to scratch and peck, baby turkeys are heavily dependent on a mother to show them how to survive. 

Without a human surrogate using motion, bright colors, and shiny objects, they will stand an inch away from a feeder and starve or dehydrate simply because they don't recognize what it is or what to do with it. They must be taught to eat, drink, and seek warmth.

So, Sierra and I stepped in as turkey moms.

Come with us into the brooder:

Being a baby turkey is exhausting work.

These little poults have molasses on their beaks from the electrolyte drink we mix up during their first few days (along with garlic and apple cider vinegar). It helps clear out parasites and give them strength to learn to eat.

Because baby turkeys have poor eyesight, Sierra and I use bright markers and colorful cardboard to attract their attention, mimic a mother hen's movement, and teach them that eating is awesome.

I’ve never seen chicken chicks sleep facedown in the shavings like this. My heart leaps into my throat every time… until I see them breathing! 😮‍💨

Through the ups and downs, I’m so glad to have you right here with me on this journey to turkey-hood.