If you want to create your own mini-farm from scratch and get good profit in the future, growing turkeys is the best option for a stable income. Why?

1. Profitability. Farm birds grow faster than other animals. In particular, turkeys live without unnecessary stress, especially not wasting their strength like chickens.
2. Saving. When buying 3 kg of feed for one turkey, you can extract 1 kg in return, while to get 1 kg of pork you need to purchase 7 kg of feed.
3. No additional difficulties. They eat almost all varieties of feed, especially like green species.
4. Multifunctionality. Turkeys give a large amount of meat, fluff, feathers, litter for fertilizers.
5. Poultry can be grown both in rural areas and in the private sector.

Bronze Broad-Breasted Turkey

Therefore, poultry farming today is one of the most profitable business categories. Turkey meat is very popular among meat lovers, because it looks like chicken. This meat is dietary, has high taste and beneficial properties. Read more about breeding turkeys at home, read below.

Where to start growing turkeys at home from scratch?

Before planning the construction of a poultry farm, the farmer must choose a variety of turkeys. You need to know the environmental factors that will affect the viability and productivity of your poultry:

• light duration and saturation;
• temperature and air structure;
• type of food;
• area for housing;
• a tendency to disease;
• a kind of bird.

Which breed should I choose?

The rate of growth in production and profitability of the entire poultry complex depends on a correctly purchased variety of poultry. Some species gain mass in a short time, and some grow less intensively. The best option is to choose elite species of birds, for example, Big 6, because it increases most rapidly in the weight category (males for 130 days about 19 kg, females - 11 kg.).

Another good variety for fishing - bronze broad-chested bird.  These are massive birds (females grow up to seven to nine kg, and males ten to fifteen kg).

• Less: the turkey is not adapted to grazing, as it was bred specifically for cages and poultry houses.
• Plus: fertility up to one hundred and twenty eggs per year, and fertility - 80%, chicks - turkeys - up to 75%.

Slaughter is carried out at the twentieth or twenty-third week, when males reach 13-15 kg, and females 7-8 kg.

North Caucasian Bronze Turkey  has a well-developed adaptation to green nutrition. Males can add up to fourteen kg in weight, and females - seven kg. Oviposition - from nine months to six months (1 period - 80 eggs).

White broad-breasted turkey

White broad-breasted turkey  It has wonderful meat indicators, quick adaptation to a variety of climatic factors. Egg production from nine months to a year (1 period to 120 eggs). White broad-breasted turkey is divided into: heavy, medium and light. Males grow up to 25 kg, and females grow up to 10 kg.

Cross BIG-6  (heavy breed) has high-quality meat characteristics and has a short time span for growth. They buy it for meat (males weigh 25 kg and females 11 kg).

• Plus: the net weight of an adult is 80-85%.
• Minus: for breeding this species, artificial insemination of poultry is necessary.

Poultry farms draw up a special schedule for hatching turkey poultry, and farmers calculate the days to buy the chicks. Since the transportation of chicks, eggs, animal feed and similar cargoes is carried out systematically, it will be more profitable to buy your own transport for such purposes. It is not cheap, but this business will soon give its results, which will pleasantly please you.

Where to buy turkeys?

You can buy poultry at a special farm. Try to choose such turkeys between which there are no family ties, because offspring can be born weaker than when mating individuals that do not have family ties. Before you get turkeys, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the rules for choosing the young generation of rural birds.

Turkey’s poultry industry is gaining more and more popularity. As a business, this is a fairly profitable business. However, you should understand everything in great detail. At home, as well as on private households and on private large farms, turkeys, breeding of which is not very difficult, feel great.

This bird is most appreciated for diet meat, which is very juicy and tasty. Therefore, for some novice businessmen, growing it can turn into a great way to generate income.

Not chickens, but turkeys

The breeding of this bird began in America. There she was domesticated about ten centuries ago. In Europe, the turkey bird came only in the sixteenth century, after the fourth voyage of Columbus. When this traveler was approaching the American coast, he was sure that it was India. Apparently, therefore, this American large bird was called so. A turkey or a turkey is a beautiful and majestic representative of birds, however, flightless.

This bird loves freedom and large space very much. The majestic and at the same time the largest and most powerful domestic representative of birds, the modern turkey (breeding and keeping it requires certain knowledge and skills) is more calm and slow than its wild ancestors.

Description

The process of domestication of this bird entailed the creation of a large number of new breeds, which differ from each other mainly in plumage color and mass.

Despite the meat orientation of turkeys, eggs, down and feather are also appreciated. Their carcasses contain more than fifty percent meat, about fifteen - subcutaneous fat and more than ten - internal.

Turkeys, the cultivation of which on an industrial scale in order to obtain eggs is unprofitable, are characterized by rapid growth with minimal expenditure on feed.

Bird characteristics

Like chickens, turkeys are considered to be big-legged. However, they do not rake the ground with their feet and do not graze like the last. Turkeys feel good on pastures and field crops, which do not damage, because they do not dig their limbs anywhere. There they run around and find the right food.

Anatomical structure

Legs of turkeys, long and strong, are adapted to overcome sufficiently large distances. Very interesting especially the fast-growing tibia, foregrip and lower leg. In the ankles of a turkey are strong and hard bones, which make it possible to carry a large body mass, overcoming fairly long distances. The muscles on the legs of this bird contain a lot of zinc, which perfectly strengthens bones and tendons. That is why its meat in the human diet is an excellent source of this element.

Breeds

There are a great many breeds of turkeys. These are white broad-breasted, and heavy Big-6, and BYuT-8, etc. Many of them were bred artificially. One of the most popular are the broad-breasted white turkeys, whose homeland is considered the United States of America.

This breed is characterized by high meat characteristics, a sufficient growth rate and good egg production. However, white turkeys, the breeding of which requires the creation of certain conditions, are very demanding in terms of feeding.

In this breed, experts distinguish three varieties of females: light, heavy and medium. Their main differences are reproductive qualities and meat precocity.

Another breed - the North Caucasian bronze - has been known among domestic poultry farmers for a long time. It is highly adaptable to grazing land. The wide body is elongated, with plumage closely fitting to the body.

Breeding

Of course, turkeys are not as popular in the market as, for example, chickens, but their meat is also in high demand. Moreover, this indicator is growing every year, especially in megacities.

Breeding turkeys (as a business) can be started by evaluating the demand for these products. The easiest way is to go to grocery markets and ask in the meat departments how many birds they sell per day. In addition, it is necessary to present the level of competition, and also to study the question of how turkeys are sold, the price of which is considerable. If in this region there is already a large poultry farm, then it is unlikely to compete with it. Therefore, it would be better to leave this venture and switch to something else. If you still decide to do this, you will need to register as a private entrepreneur and choose a system for taxation.

Premises

There are two types of turkey breeding - in the open air under a canopy and in specially equipped rooms. The first option is suitable only for residents of warm regions. In general, turkeys without any problems withstand fairly low temperature conditions - up to fifteen degrees below zero. However, it will still be better if they are kept in comfortable conditions. Therefore, a well-equipped turkey farm is the best option. This is also worth considering.

And in the summer, when the temperature outside rises to fifteen or more degrees, turkeys, breeding and keeping of which require certain expenses, are transferred to open air - with cages and with a canopy above them.

Livestock

In each pen you need to adhere to a certain number of birds. Livestock can be divided according to the age principle. It is not recommended to keep more than fifteen birds in one cage, two birds - about 10, and older - about 5 birds.

Taking into account the fact that the temperature regime should be maintained, it is necessary to take into account not only the cost of heating, but also the maximum insulation of the walls of the room in order to be able to save at least a little in the future.

Market analysis

Like any other type of business, breeding turkeys also requires some investment. A business plan should clearly define the types of products. It is noteworthy that there are quite a lot of chickens and broilers on the shelves today. There is a lot of competition in this poultry industry. Whereas the turkey in the shops can be seen not always and not everywhere, and this means that there is no one to compete with here especially. Nevertheless, a novice businessman must definitely determine the marketing strategy for his products.

The manufacturer can offer the consumer the following types of goods: eggs and offal, feathers and fluff and, of course, meat. It is possible to deliver products not only to the distribution network, but also to workshops involved in the manufacture of semi-finished products, to meat processing plants or sold through our own retail network.

The key to success of a newly established farm will largely depend on a correctly drawn up business plan. In general, according to experts, the cultivation of this large one is different from all other types of agricultural activity: in this case, a very high payback.

The main stages of the process

In addition to premises, in order to successfully grow turkeys, a novice businessman will need to take into account a number of important requirements, without which it is impossible to achieve the normal functioning of this enterprise.

The main stages of the process are as follows:

Equipment of the premises with all necessary communications, such as electricity and ventilation, water supply. In addition, it is necessary to install heating devices.

Establishing an automatic supply of water, and if there is such an opportunity, then feed: this is done in order to minimize the number of personnel working on the farm, and therefore significantly save on salaries.

Ensuring regular cell cleaning: maintain maximum cleanliness.

Equipment for a special platform for bird walking.

The presence of a competent certified veterinarian who will constantly monitor the condition of the turkeys and begin to treat them at the first symptoms of the disease, preventing a massive death.

A selection of only high-quality food: experts recommend giving as little as possible (or even eliminating it) various additives that are positioned to accelerate the growth of chicks.

Observing all these basic and very important rules, the future entrepreneur will be able to establish the normal operation of his small enterprise, the profile of which will be breeding turkeys.

Where to buy young animals?

It needs to be purchased only in special incubators. This is either specialized large enterprises that cooperate with many farms, or small private firms that breed certain breeds of turkey.

But despite the fact that in such private firms it is really possible to buy quality stock cheaply, specialists advise to turn to larger scammers. This will allow to decide in the future, when selling eggs or meat, the issue of a quality certificate and a veterinary agreement. As practice shows, it is in cooperation with such large incubators that there are fewer problems when preparing the relevant documentation.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that adult individuals differ in mass: this characteristic depends on the breed of young animals. They are divided into:

• lungs, the females of which weigh five, and the males - about ten kilograms;
• medium: seven and ten, respectively;
• heavy - 15 and 31 kg.

The first two varieties of birds are the most popular and popular.

Factory and feed equipment

Starting to grow turkeys, you must first purchase a standard kit. It should include incubators and drinkers, cages with feeders, heaters and lamps, as well as thermometers. All this provides normal conditions. A special item in the business plan is the item of expenses, that is, those funds that will be used to purchase feed and mineral additives.

The use of the most modern technologies will allow the future businessman to mechanize his production, as well as create conditions for the life of this poultry that will help to obtain only high-quality products. It is very important to think in advance about how and how to care for them. After all, the quality of meat and the number of eggs depend on this.

But unfortunately, modern mechanized equipment is quite expensive. And this means that not every aspiring entrepreneur is able to afford it.

As for feed, then, in addition to them, turkeys need vitamins. Do not save on this component in their diet, because these birds are quite "capricious".

Therefore, when developing a business plan, special attention should be paid to the natural mortality of birds. On average, ten to fifteen percent of the goals do not live to maturity.

Staff

To ensure the normal maintenance of turkeys, the future farmer will need to take on a veterinarian, as well as a manager, a sales manager and a driver who will have to deliver the goods to a variety of retail outlets. The number of workers, of course, primarily depends on the scale of activity and on the number of livestock.

Business plan

To be able to soberly assess the profitability of the newly opened enterprise, a novice entrepreneur needs to analyze all possible costs and revenues.

The cost item will need to include the cost of renting the premises and utility bills, repairs on a future farm, employee salaries, the purchase and installation of the necessary equipment, advertising, the purchase of feed and multivitamins, and the preparation of all necessary documentation. When calculating the income in the business plan, you need to consider the average revenue and the monthly profit from breeding this bird.

conclusions

Growing turkeys is a fairly profitable business, the profitability of which is about one hundred or even one hundred and fifty percent. However, there are certain risks, for example, livestock diseases, which can cause huge losses. That's why you need to buy only high-quality young stock: a turkey, the price of which seems very favorable, may eventually be defective - sick or unsuitable for maintenance. In addition, a good veterinarian must work on the farm.

Breeding turkeys is a growing poultry industry. Birds are in great demand because of dietary meat, and caring for them is not difficult even for beginners.

This direction is characterized by low costs even at the start-up stage, as turkey poultry are unpretentious in maintenance, grow rapidly and gain weight. By the end of the first year, birds reach 18-25 kg, depending on the breed.

An important condition is the proper organization of their business, because profitability and payback period largely depend on the competent distribution of resources. In the article, we will consider in detail whether breeding turkeys as a business is profitable or not.

Features of this business

Breeding turkeys for sale is one of the most profitable areas of poultry farming. Today in Russia there is practically no competition, although meat is highly regarded in the market. Before you begin, you should consider the specifics of this business:

• turkeys gain weight.  Some breeds can weigh up to 30 kg by adulthood;
• meat is in demand at any time of the year,  the average return on investment is from 18 months;
• fairly low costs  on young animals for breeding;
• first income  sales can be received in 4-6 months;
• turkeys are more hardy and stable birds than chickens.  With proper prevention of the disease, the death of the whole herd is rarely caused.

It should be borne in mind that turkeys are distinguished by food intelligibility, therefore, the cost of feed for the first time will be large, but because of the rapid weight gain, they more than pay off.

Turkey meat has a pleasant taste, dietary value, a high content of vitamins and minerals. Often used by athletes as well as pregnant due to hypoallergenicity.

What to consider

In most cases, business in farming is started by people already dealing with housekeeping. This is a troublesome and complicated matter, where it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the activity. When breeding turkeys, it should be understood that there are three main problems - the high risk of diseases of young animals, food supply and marketing of finished products. Still need to carefully plan all the necessary outbuildings and productively organize the space. In fact, you should officially formalize your company.

What documents are needed

In recent years, Russia has simplified the collection and preparation of documentation for beginner farmers. One of the key points is the ability to raise birds for sale on their land, subject to all sanitary and environmental standards. You should obtain the status of an individual entrepreneur and choose a form of taxation. In order to sell meat without hindrance, the following minimum documents are required:

• certificate  compliance with GOST;
• certificate  from the veterinary service (form No. 2);
• declaration  on conformity of product quality;
• registration  breeding individuals (for the sale of thoroughbred birds).

An example of a certificate from the veterinary service (form No. 2).

It is advisable to hire a competent lawyer to help with the preparation of all the documentation, so that you avoid mistakes and subsequent checks of various state authorities.

Growing technology

The profitability of breeding poultry depends on the method of keeping. The following approaches are suitable for the industrial cultivation of turkeys:

To create a profitable business, it is recommended to combine all three methods. For example, the extensive type is suitable for long-term rearing of birds for breeding, the cellular type - for quick production of meat, and the outdoor type of rearing is universal.

Cost and profitability of buildings, equipment

Turkeys are large birds, so they need a spacious room for a comfortable life. You can build turkey on your own, or order a ready-made version in a construction company. The area of \u200b\u200bthe room depends on the volume of livestock. For young animals up to 1 month old, the herd density is up to 15 poultry per 1 m 2, for 10 two-month-old chicks 1 m 2 is required, adult birds are kept at the rate of: up to 2-3 individuals 1 m 2. For construction and equipment you will need:

• sand-cement mixture for the foundation;
• wooden bars and slats;
• metal grid;
• roofing material (metal tile or slate);
• insulation;
• two frames for windows, glass;
• door to the house;
• litter for the floor (sawdust or hay);
• fixing material;
• heaters with power from 3 to 6 kW;
• thermometer and hygrometer for climate control;
• 2-3 drinkers;
• feeders (2 pieces for 50 turkey poults).

In addition, at this stage it is necessary to plan whether an incubator will be required, as well as equipment for mixing and preparing the feed. The cost of building materials is very different from the region of residence.

On average, in Russia, the construction of turkey poultry with an area of \u200b\u200b40 m2 will require 200 thousand rubles.

About the breeds

The choice of breed directly affects the profitability of poultry breeding. All varieties of turkeys are usually divided into two large groups - meat and egg. In addition, there is a separate allocation of rare breeding for the sale of young animals.  For starters, it is recommended to purchase broilers, as they are the least unpretentious and quickly pay back all investments.

Which breed of turkeys is the largest?

Breeding individuals

  These birds, used to restore the herd population, are involved in sexual reproduction. They require special care and attention, and are also significantly more expensive than other individuals. The price of breeding turkeys starts from 2500 rubles.  They are distinguished by great weight, beautiful plumage and good health.

Breeding individuals are killed in the last turn (2-3 years of life). As a rule, their meat is not used for sale, as it has low value and taste.

Broilers

  This is the most common group of breeds of turkeys for breeding with the aim of selling products. They quickly gain weight, are distinguished by a large physique. They are usually kept in cells for quick mass gain. Egg productivity is medium or high. The price varies from region and breeder level, starts from 350 rubles per young individual. Such breeds include, White broad-breasted turkey, Moscow bronze, Hybrid Converter.

Read about the white broad-breasted turkey.

Layers and hens

Turkeys have a lower weight, so they are often used to get eggs and hatch young animals. When buying birds for their land, one should take into account the gender composition, since with a large number of males the herd can not avoid fights. In addition, egg breeds with the best egg production were developed. Recommended breeds - Virgin, Universal, Heaton, White Moscow. The average cost is low due to the light weight of the birds, the price of poultry starts at 300 rubles.

How to make a choice

When choosing a breed, you need to consider the features of the content, the planned sales market and the features of the productivity of your farm. If you plan to breed birds only for meat, do not buy egg breeds. To increase the profitability of the farm, it is recommended to have different breeds so that it is possible to sell not only meat, but also eggs, as well as young animals. For beginner poultry farmers, universal turkeys and crosses are suitable.

It is important to consider the climatic features in the region. Turkeys have weak immunity, therefore, in cold conditions, outbreaks of infections, chronic diseases are noted. To avoid this, you should take into account the breed's resistance to disease, choose the most suitable birds specifically for your compound.

About the buildings

Premises for keeping birds - the main item of expenditure, as well as a necessary condition for breeding. Turkeys are large in size, so the house must be spacious and comfortable for their life. Below we consider the main structures for the farm.

Turkey poultry

In it, the birds spend most of the time, spend the night and rest. The house should be spacious and clean, the area of \u200b\u200bthe structure depends on the size of the herd.   For the comfortable maintenance of 1 turkey, 1 m 2 is needed.  If there are layers in the herd, they require nests of at least 1 per 5 turkeys. As litter in the room use straw, hay or sawdust.

Inside the turkey poultry it is necessary to place perches at the rate of 50 cm of free space for one bird, they are placed at a height of 80 cm.

Males and females need to be kept separately, for this the birds can be placed in different parts of the room or made partitions. Strong cages should be equipped for cage maintenance. The house should be equipped with a ventilation system and heaters for winter maintenance. Under the windows there is a hole for access to a range of 50x50 cm in size.

Walking places

An enclosure for daily walking is required to accelerate weight gain and strengthen immunity. For the walking area you need to leave as much space as possible. Usually it is located on the south side of the turkey, limiting the area by a canopy and a fence with a height of 2.5 meters. Inside, you can plant clover or alfalfa, or use clean sand mixed with sawdust. The birds need to walk all year round, so in winter it is required to clear the site of snow, add straw for warming.

To make the birds willingly go for a walk in the aviary, it is advisable to fix the feeders, where grain is poured in the winter, and root crops in the summer. On the fencing grid, you can hang small brooms from the rods of deciduous trees.

Cells

  Cellular content is optimal for large farms and industrial turkey breeding. In one cage, you can contain up to 1 male, or 2 females. They are made of wooden battens or metal mesh. Recommended size - 0.8x0.8x150 cm.  For large breeds, volume can be increased if necessary. To save space in the house, cages are placed on special racks, raised from the ground to a distance of 0.8 m. This method of detention is suitable only for light and medium breeds.

Brooders

  It is a box of a wooden frame with a metal grill, in which there are turkey poults in the first weeks after birth. Dimensions depend on the number of livestock; no more than 25 chicks can be placed per 1 m2.  As a rule, a brooder is constructed with a length of 1 meter, height and width of 0.5 m. Inside, you need to install a heater and a thermometer to control the microclimate, as well as feeders and drinking bowls. In addition, it is necessary to mount a lighting device.

Read about brooches for turkey poults.

Before starting the box for the first time, it is necessary to carefully treat all the elements with potassium permanganate in order to avoid infection of the poultry.

About equipment

Even at the construction stage, it is advisable to purchase all the necessary equipment, since the productivity of birds depends on its use. In addition to the heater and artificial ventilation in the room, equipment for breeding and feeding should be prepared.

Incubators

It is required to replenish the number of herds and remove young stock for subsequent sale. The incubator can be equipped independently, but it is better to purchase a store device. Eggs for incubation can be stored for up to 1 week, they must be sorted and discarded before being placed. For this purpose, it is desirable to have an ovoscope (cost - from 490 rubles).

The price of incubators starts at 4,500 rubles, for large farms you need to buy large and automated models.

For mixing feed

  If you are preparing mixed feeds for turkeys yourself, then in addition to raw materials, special mixers for the production of feed should be purchased. Their cost is quite high, so they are used only on large farms. To automate the feeding process, special plate-type or chain-type feeders, as well as drinking bowls (round and nipple), should be purchased in advance. Some manufacturers, for example, Chainovation produce whole feeding systems that serve food quickly and efficiently, optimally mix it. Keep in mind that the mechanisms of feeders for chicks, broilers and standard breeds may vary.

About nutrition

Not only productivity, therefore, your income, but also the health of turkeys depends on the quality and the right amount of feed. The nutrition of turkey poults and adult individuals is significantly different, which is important to consider in the content process.

Turkey

  It is recommended to feed newborn birds with a pre-starter, which contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals for their development (for example, brand PK-5). Mashkins are not economical for industrial breeding of birds. Starting at 30 days of age, turkeys are offered grain (oats, barley or corn).  Before serving, grind food. Cottage cheese, grated carrots and fish meal are added to the grinded mixture. The diet must include the necessary dry yeast for the birds. Feeding should be done 8-9 times a day.

As a drink, chicks from the first days of life offer green tea with the addition of 1 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar per liter. Starting from 4 days, turkey poults can be transferred to ordinary water.

What to feed turkey poults will tell.

Young animals

From the age of 60 days, the diet of turkey poults can be varied. Usually they are fed with compound feed for young birds, or the ingredients are steamed until porridge. From this time, you can give dry or fresh herbs, legumes, root crops and oilcake.  Food should be 4-5 times a day in small portions.

Adults

Turkeys are distinguished by their intelligibility in food, therefore, nutrition must be approached very carefully. It is best to purchase ready-made feed, in which there are all the necessary substances.  If you cook your own food, then it should include:

• roots;
• legumes, cereal grains (up to 70% of the total diet);
• meal and cake;
• greens;
• meat and bone or fish meal;
• sprouted grains and yeast.

Feeding is carried out 3 times a day, in winter it is necessary to give additional mineral supplements. It can be purchased compounds, or poplar or linden leaves.

In summer, the diet of turkeys can be diversified with food available in the warm period - fresh grass, caterpillars and worms. They contain a large amount of protein, therefore they are especially useful for broilers.

When slaughtered for meat

Preparation for slaughter can begin after the bird has gained 12 kg, which usually occurs at the age of 8 months. Broilers are ready for this process earlier, starting from 4-6 months.  If you skip the preparation, the meat will be tighter and less tender. To do this, stop feeding for 14 hours, and also place the birds in a dark room with free access to water. Directly slaughter is carried out at the age of 1-1.5 years. Starting from 2 years, birds lose the value of meat, which has a lower cost in the market.

About cutting

  After slaughter, plucking feathers and down is carried out (dry or wet method, or the use of paraffin). This is best done immediately after bleeding. Next, the carcass must be washed, pull out the stumps with tweezers and scorch the skin. Before removing the paws, as well as the wings along the elbow joint. The head is chopped to 2 vertebrae of the neck.  An incision should be made along the entire neck, leaving 13 skin, after a knife, cut a line along the peritoneum and get internal organs. At this point, it is very important not to touch the gall bladder, which will lead to spoilage of meat.

Investment and return on business

With independent breeding of birds, all costs are reduced to the following articles:

• buying young  - 20 turkey poults, 4000 rubles;
• construction and equipment of the house  an area of \u200b\u200b40 m 2, 200 thousand;
• feed, 10000;
• veterinarian expenses, 3000.

  The business will begin to make profit only after 4-6 months when maintaining broilers or crosses. By this age, birds reach 12-15 kg, which is optimal for sale. To begin with, it is recommended to sell only 10 birds in order to replenish the herd population in a timely manner. 1 kg of turkey costs 200 rubles, so the initial income will be only 30 thousand rubles. It is advisable to spend this money on the purchase of feed and young animals. Thus, net income is 18-20 thousand with an established sales market. The profitability of the turkey growing business is up to 100% with a herd of 20 individuals. The first investments fully pay off only after 12-14 months.

In addition, you can sell eggs and young animals, but for small farms this income item is minimally low, so it is advisable to focus only on meat.

Video

Video about business in turkeys.

conclusions

1. Growing turkeys as a business is a profitable enterprise, but certain knowledge and skills are required to conduct work on their own.
2. You can profit from the sale of meat, eggs and young growth.
3. Profitability is up to 100%, the average payback is 12-14 months. The minimum amount to start the farm is 217 thousand rubles.
4. Turkey meat is valued on the market all year round, but markets should be thought out in advance (shops, catering or private ads).
5. The productivity and health of birds, as well as the profitability of the farm, depend on quality, proper nutrition and compliance with growing technology.

Farms for breeding turkeys have gained immense popularity among businessmen. This is a profitable, quick payback business with a wide range of advantages, low investment and high profitability. For his organization, a competent approach is needed that takes into account all the nuances of this business.

There are three main varieties of turkeys, each of which has its own characteristics. For convenience, they were divided by the weight of the birds:

• heavy;
• medium;
• lungs.

The first type is large birds with high growth rates. By 4 months, the weight of females will vary in the range from 8 to 11 kg, and in males from 19 to 23 kg. To grow these turkeys, you must comply with the content. When observed, they grow up healthy and strong. This type of bird is best suited for large industrial complexes that use intensive rearing technologies.

Females of the middle type weigh about 5–7 kg by 4 months, and males 13–17 kg. This variety is not so capricious in care and feeding and shows the best indicators for. This option is best suited for farmers.

The light type has the best early maturity, but the smallest weight. The poultry carcass weighs only about 3 kg, by 4 months. Today it is the most unpopular variety, they are bred very rarely.

The main varieties of turkeys and their hybrids

In the world there are a little more than 40 breeds of turkeys. They are separated not only by physique, but also by color and productivity of breeding. They can be divided into two subgroups of rocks:

1. oviparous;
2. meat.

The former have less weight, but bring more eggs, and the latter vice versa. In addition, turkeys differ in specialized characteristics, which can be divided into paternal and maternal groups.

Paternal ones are characterized by high growth rates, and maternal ones are characterized by a better level of egg production and hatchability. When they are crossed, hybrids are obtained, breeders call this cross. It can consist of 2, 3 and 4 lines, according to the number of birds crossed.

In our country, a two-line cross, called the "Universal", was launched. These turkey hybrids have the best endurance performance, regardless of what is ideal for our difficult climatic conditions. In addition, for their content does not require large investments for. Breeding turkeys of the "Universal" hybrid, you can grow birds weighing from 4.5 to 11 kg and bringing from 70 to 80 eggs suitable for subsequent incubation.

Foreign breeders have relied on the weight of the bird and received the following popular hybrids:

• "Big 6";
• Highbird;
• "Cuddy."

These birds are more demanding on. However, growing them you can get carcasses weighing from 10 to 25 kg, but in terms of egg production and hatchability of eggs, laying hens of these hybrids are inferior to our "Universal".

According to the taste qualities of meat, these hybrids are suitable for the manufacture of various delicacies, but before you choose one of them, you should evaluate the real possibilities to provide them with decent living conditions. Otherwise, most chicks are simple.

Birds for eggs

Consider the most popular breeds of birds that bring the maximum number of eggs and suitable for growing in our country:

White broad-chested

The most in the world is a white broad-breasted turkey. These birds have the best egg-bearing properties. They grow well in almost any weather, with the exception of the strip of the far north. Oviposition starts from 9 months and stretches for six months. During this period, you can collect from 90 to 120 eggs with an average weight of about 85 g. When this breed is slaughtered, a white carcass is obtained with high meat yield.

Moscow white and bronze

These are two subgroups of the same breed, which differ in the color of plumage and carcasses during slaughter. Due to their strong physique, it is these birds that are best suited for breeding in non-chernozem regions of our country. They have good egg production and hatchability. Oviposition begins at 9 months with normal maintenance and 3 months earlier, under conditions of adjustable light conditions. On average, one turkey will bring from 80 to 100 eggs, weighing 85 g. When slaughtered adult birds, carcasses from 7.5 to 14 kg of white or pinkish color are obtained, depending on skin color and plumage.

North Caucasian White

These turkeys were bred recently, but quickly gained popularity. It is a breed with one of the highest egg production rates. The live weight of a turkey varies from 6 to 7 kg, and a turkey from 12 to 13 kg. When slaughtered, they get white carcasses with high meat yield. Oviposition begins at 9 months and lasts about six months. On average, one laying hen will produce 100–120 eggs, with an average weight of 85 to 100 g. Records that have up to 180 eggs are frequent in this breed.

Breeds for meat

In the subgroup of meat turkeys in our country, the following breeds are most popular.

North Caucasian Bronze

This breed was bred in the middle of the last century by our breeders. They were obtained by crossing with bronze Dutch turkeys. The live weight of birds varies from 5 to 7 kg in females and from 15 to 17 kg in males. Oviposition begins at 9 months and lasts about six months. During this time, you can get 80–90 eggs, weighing from 85 to 100 g.

North Caucasian bronze turkeys grow best in grazing conditions, so in our country they are best bred in chernozem regions. Breed, but has one small minus. When slaughtered on the carcass, tan marks of a dark color are visible, which does not contribute to giving the presentation. However, her taste is very good, so they are best implemented for the manufacture of meat delicacies.

Bronze broad-chested

American breed, bred in the middle of the last century on the basis of the North Caucasian bronze turkey. These birds have a high mass of live weight. On average, the weight of the female varies in the range from 7 to 8 kg, and the male from 13 to 15 kg. Oviposition begins at the age of 10 months and lasts about six months. Laying hens give 70–80 eggs, weighing about 95 g. Unpretentious and feeding. Suitable for breeding in central Russia.

North Caucasian White

This breed is the record holder for growth. By 40 weeks, the bird reaches its maximum weight. The live weight of turkeys is about 5–7 kg, and turkeys are 12–15 kg. Oviposition begins at 9 months. During this cycle, the laying hen will give from 40 to 75 eggs, with an average weight of about 80 g. Despite the low egg laying rate, this breed is characterized by a high percentage of fertilization. An average of 75–80% of eggs are turkeys. When slaughtered, they get a white carcass with good meat yield.

Breeding Nuances

For breeding turkeys it will be necessary, in which it will be necessary to equip the nests for layers and perches. It should be warm, clean, dry and fairly spacious. Calculate its size is based on the number of turkeys. On average, about 40-50 square meters will be required. see for each bird.

Feeding

Consider an approximate diet with the calculation of products in grams for each bird with an average weight of about 4 kg.

Poultry Diseases

Here are examples of the most common types and methods for their treatment:

• Histomoniasis. Age from 20 to 90 days. Signs - lack of appetite and diarrhea on the 2nd – 4th day after the disease, in some cases the head and legs of the chick turn black. It is treated. The drug should be given 10 mg for every 1 kg of live weight three times a day for 10 days.
• Paratyphoid. Age from 3 to 30 days. Signs - lack of appetite, tearing, shakiness while walking, lack of appetite. It is treated with trimerazine at the rate of 1 g per 1 kg of live weight once a day and mepatar, added to drinking water at the rate of 10 g per 5 liters.

Turkey disease

• .   This is a contagious runny nose, which manifests itself in the autumn-winter period. He talks about a lack of vitamins “A” and “B”. It is necessary to diversify the feed.
• . It is already impossible to cure a sick bird, but the spread of tubercle bacillus can be prevented with the help of daylight.
•   . In turkeys, this disease is treated very difficult and only under the supervision of a veterinarian. Spread can be prevented by regular disinfection of the room.
• .   This disease cannot be treated. It talks about the accumulation of solid food in the goiter. The diet of birds should be reviewed.
• .   With this disease, the bird eats everything that catches your eye: bedding, upholstery, etc. For treatment, you need to diversify your diet.
• .   Birds are infected through water. This disease is not subject to treatment. After slaughter, the carcass must be burned, the room must be disinfected. For prevention, you need to use a vaccine.

Financial investments

If you consider breeding turkeys as a business, then you should consider the following expense items:

• Equipment or construction of a house. In the first case, from 10 to 20 thousand rubles, in the second from 100 to 900 thousand rubles, depending on the size and availability of additional premises (for example, a slaughterhouse).
• Purchase of chicks. The cost of 1 chick varies from 100 to 300 rubles.
•   . This item of expenditure must be calculated from the livestock of the herd and the region of residence. In the middle zone of Russia, it takes from 8 to 12 thousand rubles to feed 20 animals from spring to the end of summer.

Profit and payback

The most significant expense item is the house. If it is not, then the return on this business is 3 years. If you have the premises and purchase at least 20 goals of turkeys, you can already in the first year of breeding.

Consider an example:

• 10 turkeys and 10 turkeys were bought for 200 rubles each. for the chick. Consumption 4000 rubles.
• The re-equipment of the premises required 10 thousand rubles.
• The purchase of feed cost 12 thousand rubles.

At the end of the season, if they decide to kill all the birds, then about 24 thousand rubles will be earned for the males, and 14 thousand rubles for the females. In this case, the profit will be 12 thousand rubles.

Another source of income may be the sale of eggs or one-day chicks. The cost of eggs for incubation is 100 rubles. a piece. One-day chicks 100-300 rubles. a piece. Suppose each hen gave 80 eggs. Total on the sale of eggs, you can earn from 80 thousand rubles.

After each year, half of the profits should be left to cover expenses in the next season. However, even under such conditions, net profit of more than 50 thousand rubles.

Please note that the example considered the case when all acquired chicks survived. This is quite difficult to achieve. On average, the case of one-day-old chicks with proper care is about 2% for females and 6% for males. Even taking into account the case, the turkey breeding business remains profitable and quickly pays for itself.

Business staff

The need for staff depends on the number of goals in the herd. With a large number of livestock, a house will be needed to feed the turkeys and clean the premises. Slayer, if a slaughterhouse is provided. An incoming, and with a large herd, permanent veterinarian. Temporary accountant for reporting, declarations and other documentation. The driver-courier who will simplify the delivery of meat and eggs to the points of sale.

Sales market

Farmers need to find markets in advance where they will supply finished products. It can be:

• Markets.
• The shops.
• Plants for the production of deli meats and sausages.
• Restaurants
• Semi-finished meat manufacturing companies.

Pros and cons of doing business

Any business has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's analyze in more detail what can be attributed to the pros and cons of breeding turkeys.

Advantages:

• Fresh diet meat.
• Quick payback.
• Dietary eggs.
• Big market.
• The high cost of buying meat and eggs.
• Unpretentiousness of birds, with the right choice of breed.
• Opportunity to save due to grazing.

Disadvantages:

• High mortality rate of one-day chicks.
• The need for additional costs for and treatment of livestock.
• Low egg production.

Despite the disadvantages, the profitability of this business is about 100%. With a competent approach, from the first year you can get a good profit, at relatively low cost.