A quick look into turkey farming

Turkey is a common poultry bird in Nigeria usually farmed at homes. A renowned turkey farmer based in Masaka, Nasarawa State, Mrs. Jerry Ngwankwe, said turkey eggs are incubated for 28 days before hatching. Thereafter, the turkeys take some weeks on the farm before reaching maturity. The farmer said they require vaccination at least twice […]

Turkey is a common poultry bird in Nigeria usually farmed at homes.

A renowned turkey farmer based in Masaka, Nasarawa State, Mrs. Jerry Ngwankwe, said turkey eggs are incubated for 28 days before hatching. Thereafter, the turkeys take some weeks on the farm before reaching maturity.

The farmer said they require vaccination at least twice from 0-10 weeks against histomaniasis known as blackhead.

According to her, turkeys are kept in a pen or cage covered with roll able materials.

Mrs. Jerry further explained that filament bulbs are hanged from the top of their roofs to provide heat during cold nights, adding that they eat grains mostly but occasionally feed on greens and vegetables. Their main feeds, according to the farmer, are turkey starter mash (4-5) weeks; turkey grower mash (5-8) weeks and finisher (last feeds before disposal.)

She said the market age for turkey is from 16 weeks and they are sold according to their sizes.