Why turkeys fight and what to do - looking for the cause and fixing the problem in the poultry house
Fights among birds from a subsidiary farm are not only between roosters. Turkeys do not lag behind them in their pugnacious nature, but the instinct of establishing leadership inherent in nature is far from the only reason. Why turkeys fight and what to do to minimize the possibility of fights is a question of vital importance. After all, it is not only males who sort things out among themselves. Turkeys also fight quite often, and with particular cruelty, pecking to the blood, both rivals and their own children. Fights are not uncommon among chicks. In order to preserve the livestock, it is important to find out in a timely manner what caused this behavior. After all, if you give the birds free rein and do not interfere, they will maim and kill each other.
Why do turkeys fight and what to do
First of all, these are natural instincts:
- Flirting. Turkey reaches puberty earlier than the turkey. If the male does not react to her loud cries and "dances" around him, she can attract his attention by using her beak and claws. And a rejected female in offense can take revenge on her rivals.
- Struggle for leadership. Fights are especially frequent among male turkeys. And adult turkeys can "put in place" the impudent young growth, claiming to be in their place, and beat the chicks to death.
Separate content will help to muffle fighting instincts. Adult turkeys should be kept separate from the young. Chicks are also divided into age groups and each given a separate place.
In addition, both females and males, regardless of age, can still fight for the following reasons:
- unbalanced diet;
- cramped poultry house;
- unsuitable conditions.
How nutrition affects the expression of aggression
Increased irritation causes protein deficiency. In turkeys, the acid-base balance is disturbed, an excess of uric acid accumulates, the mucous membranes of the cloaca dry out. The skin begins to dry out and itch, and the bird can first peck at itself, and then "breaks down" on those who are nearby.
In order not to bring turkeys to a nervous breakdown, their diet should be balanced. Unlike chickens, they need more vitamins of groups A, B and E. The share of protein foods should be at least 28%.
House dimensions
It is quite natural that in a cramped room turkeys will fight for free space.If they fight most often in the poultry house, and not on the street, then there is not enough space for them. For 1 sq. m. it is allowed to keep 1 adult male or 2 females. More spacious content is needed for heavy, as well as too restive breeds.
In addition, turkeys can get sick more often in a cramped house.
Conditions for keeping turkeys
Fights or "self-incrimination" most often occur if in the house:
- too light, especially during the laying period;
- lack of lighting, which provokes loss of feathers and itching;
- dry air, which also causes feather brittleness;
- cold, as a result of which the bird, trying to keep warm, starts a fight;
- dirty, which causes diseases and the appearance of parasites.