NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA, THE DOMESTIC TURKEY IS MOST OFTEN ENCOUNTERED IN ROASTED FORM! BUT IT’S MUCH MORE THAN DELICIOUS – THE TURKEY IS A BEAUTIFUL BIRD WITH A SOCIABLE TEMPERAMENT THAT MAKES IT A FINE ADDITION TO BACKYARD FLOCKS. Feeding Turkeys have very similar nutritional needs to chickens and can share the same packaged retail feeds available from pet stores and fodder stores, including those than contain medications to prevent coccidiosis. If you’re keeping turkeys as companion birds rather than for their eggs, it’s better to use a packaged meat-bird or game-bird feed that is lower in calcium. Always ensure that there is plenty of fresh water available alongside the feed! Health Turkeys are susceptible to many of the same diseases as other poultry. They are particularly prone to blackhead disease, a protozoan infection. Symptoms to watch out for include bluish cyanotic head and yellow, watery droppings. Sick birds need to be quarantined quickly and you should get in touch with a vet as soon as possible. THE CHOOK BOOK | 47