Raising backyard turkeys is becoming increasingly popular as more people want to know where their food comes from. While turkeys make great additions to small farms, they do require adequate housing and space to thrive. So how many square feet per turkey should you provide? This complete guide covers everything you need to know about turkey housing and space requirements.
Minimum Space Requirements Per Turkey
The precise amount of space needed per turkey depends on several factors
- Age of the birds
- Whether they are confined or free-range
- Total number of birds
- Time of year
As a general guideline
- Baby poults require 2-3 square feet each
- Growing turkeys need 3-5 square feet each
- Mature turkeys require a minimum of 4 square feet each
Free-range turkeys that have access to a pasture or yard will need more total space than confined birds. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 10-15 square feet per bird if they will be free-ranging. The more space you can provide, the better.
Shelter Size Per Turkey
Turkeys need access to a sheltered coop or barn for roosting and protection from weather and predators. The coop should have at least 4 square feet of floor space per mature turkey.
For example, a coop for 6 mature turkeys should have a minimum floor space of 24 square feet. However, more space is better to decrease crowding. Aim for 5-10 square feet per bird in the shelter.
The coop should be tall enough for the birds to roost comfortably. 4-5 feet of height is sufficient for most turkey breeds. Ensure proper ventilation by including windows, vents or air gaps.
Outdoor Enclosure Size Per Turkey
In addition to a coop, turkeys need access to an outdoor enclosure or yard area. The recommended minimum space is 10 square feet per bird.
For example, an enclosure for a flock of 10 turkeys should cover at least 100 square feet More space is ideal, so allow 15-20 square feet per turkey if possible.
The enclosure should have a covered, shaded area to protect the birds from sun and rain. Having roosts or perches helps them fulfill their natural roosting instinct. Providing trees, shrubs or structures for enrichment is also beneficial.
Free-Range Space Needs Per Turkey
Free-range turkeys that have access to a large yard or pasture require more space than confined birds. Each turkey will need a minimum of 100 square feet.
So for a flock of 20 free-range turkeys, you’d need an absolute minimum of 2,000 square feet. However, more space is recommended. An acre of land provides about 43,000 square feet for the birds to roam.
Rotate the location of feeders and shelters periodically to distribute manure evenly. Move electric poultry netting to give them fresh foraging areas.
Space Needs Per Turkey By Age
Baby poults have different needs than mature breeding or meat birds. Here are the approximate space requirements per turkey by age:
- Poults (0-4 weeks): 2-3 square feet
- Young turkeys (4-8 weeks): 3-4 square feet
- Growing turkeys (8-16 weeks): 4-5 square feet
- Mature turkeys (over 16 weeks): Minimum 4 square feet, ideally 10+ square feet
Adjust housing and range size as your flock ages and grows. Crowding poults can lead to poor growth and injuries.
Seasonal Considerations for Space Per Turkey
During warmer months, turkeys will spend more time outdoors foraging if given the opportunity. You can get by with a smaller sheltered coop/barn space since they won’t be confined.
In winter, turkeys stay in the coop more often to stay warm. Make sure the indoor housing space is adequate, with room to move around comfortably. Confined birds may become aggressive without enough area.
Muddy conditions can cause health issues. Having a dry, covered outdoor run is important in rainy seasons so they have a safe place to roam. Rotate the location of muddy runs to give the ground a chance to recover.
General Housing Guidelines Per Turkey
Here are some other tips for setting up proper turkey housing:
- Use wire or hard plastic flooring to prevent injuries and keep the coop clean. Bed with straw.
- Maximize ventilation and air flow. Turkeys are prone to respiratory diseases.
- Use secure latches on doors. Predators like coyotes can tear into flimsy coops.
- Provide adequate perches and roosts for natural behavior.
- Clean water and feed supplies are essential. Position them to minimize contamination.
Factors That Affect Space Needs
The following factors should be considered when determining how much space per turkey is required:
Breed
- Heritage breeds that are active foragers need more space than commercial broad-breasted turkeys.
- Heavy tom turkeys may require slightly more space than hens.
Housing Type
- Free-range turkeys need much more area than confined birds.
- Deep litter housing allows for higher density than slatted/wire floors.
Pasture Quality
- Rotate pens and runs frequently in muddy or poor conditions.
- Well-drained soil with good forage can support more turkeys.
Flock Size
- Overcrowding causes stress, aggression and health issues.
- Small flocks under 10 birds have different requirements than large flocks.
Weather Conditions
- More indoor space needed in extreme cold or heat.
- Well-ventilated housing prevents respiratory illness.
Follow these turkey space requirements as a guide when planning your housing setup. Free-range birds need more area overall than confined ones. Adjust the space as your flock ages from poults to mature turkeys. Proper housing and range area will help keep your turkeys healthy and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sq ft do turkeys need in a coop?
For confined turkeys that stay in the coop full-time, provide 8-10 square feet per bird. This gives them adequate room to move around comfortably.
How big of a coop do I need for 5 turkeys?
A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 4 square feet per turkey inside the coop. So for 5 turkeys, you would need a minimum coop size of 20 square feet. More space is better, so aim for at least 30-50 square feet.
How big of an outdoor enclosure do turkeys need?
Turkeys require at least 10 square feet per bird in their outdoor enclosure or run. For 5 turkeys, you would need an enclosure of at least 50 square feet. More space is always better.
How much space for meat turkeys?
Meat turkeys require these approximate spaces:
- 0-8 weeks: 2-2.5 square feet
- 8-16 weeks: 3-4 square feet
- 16-20 weeks: 5-8 square feet
- 20 weeks to market: 6-10 square feet
How many square feet per turkey in a backyard flock?
For a small backyard flock, aim for 25-50 square feet per turkey in their outdoor area. Ensure the space is safely fenced and protect them from predators.
How big should a turkey shelter be?
Allow at least 4 square feet per turkey inside their shelter. For example, a 6×8 foot shed could house 6 turkeys comfortably. Bigger shelters make for happier turkeys.
How many turkeys can fit in a garden shed?
A 6×8 foot shed provides about 48 square feet of space. This is enough room for up to 12 turkeys if well-managed. But less crowded is better, so limit to 6-8 turkeys in a shed that size.
Do turkeys need a covered outdoor area?
Yes, turkeys need access to a shaded, covered spot to get out of the sun and rain. Trees, shrubs, or a lean-to roof structure can provide outdoor shelter.
