Mimeo Leaflet #P-28 Purdue Poultry Dept.
TURKEY HATCHING EGG PRODUCTION Alexander Gordeuk
Indiana is now producing about 1 1/4 million market turkeys yearly. Less than half of the poult requirements of the state is being met by Indiana hatcheries.
It takes about 40,000 breeder hens to lay enough eggs to meet the poult demands of Hoosier turkey growers. Indiana farmers have been keeping about one-half of this number during the past few years. Without doubt there is an opportunity for a large increase in turkey breeding flocks in Indiana to take care of the poult requirements for Hoosier turkey growers, to say nothing of the opportunities for poult sales in the Mid-west.
Opportunity for Indiana Farmers
Turkeys by themselves offer a very definite possibility as an important farm enterprise. There are now many who devote all their time to turkey raising.
Turkeys, as a means of diversification, should have extensive possibilities especially in southern Indiana where alternative opportunities are limited due to the condition of the land and the lack of good markets for some farm products.
Turkey hatching egg production would not only add to the income of many farms, but would also leave much needed fertility in the form of manure as a valuable by-product. Based on 1949 fertilizer values, each poult started and kept through the breeding season would have left about 50¢ worth of manure on the farm. In short, out of each hen's feed bill 50¢ is recoverable in added soil fertility.
Equipment Required
The same equipment that is used to grow turkeys for market is used for the breeder flock. The range shelters could be drawn close together to form a windbreak. Nests, broody coops, lights and saddles for the hens are about all the only other equipment needed. Fortunately, none of it is expensive or complicated.
Some Tips on the Breeder Flock (Based on Broad Breasted Bronze)
A.	Houses, shelters, or porches
Any hen house, shed, or converted bam makes an adequate turkey breeder house. Roosts should be 2" x 4” laid flat. Allow 15 inches per bird. Allow 8 sq. ft. per bird if no outside yards are provided. Shelters can be the same as those used for market flocks. Porches, if used, should have wood-slatted floors. Allow 8 sq. ft. of porch area per bird. Porches should have a shed, preferably along the north side for protection against the weather.
B.	Land
Turkeys should not be kept on the same lot year after year0 The lots should be rotated on a two or three year plan.
C. Feed and Feeding
Feed a commercial breeder ration or use a formula available in the Purdue leaflet "Rations for Turkeys". Start feeding the breeder ration at least 4 weeks before eggs are desired. Do not depend upon winter pasture to supply