Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program 15th Year of existence Open to all 4-H & FFA members in Wasatch County Members must still be in school (senior). Members may sell two birds in the Sale Turkeys must be purchased thru the Program Must follow the State Turkey Show rules and format Originally designed for those who could not participate in the Junior Livestock program

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Costs of the Program Poults are $2 each Turkey Starter is $18 per 50 lb bag Turkey grow is $19 per 50 lb bag Each bird will consume about 80 lb to 100 lb of feed Tagging fee is $1 Processing fee is $7 Each bird $38.50-$48.50

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Turkey Poults Place order in May Pick-up in July 10-15 Poults will be Day Old Project last about 20 weeks

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Brooding the Poults Poults love heat 95-100 degrees F For first week Lower the temp by 5 degrees F each week until fully feathered 6-8 weeks old. Heat lamp may still be used until 10-12 weeks of age for cooler nights. Leave room for poults to get away from the heat Check arrangement of poults regularly

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Feed and Care of Poults Start with a high protein feed 28-30% for the first 6-8 weeks (recommended a medicated feed) Bed poults with shavings to start Protect from predators (raccoons, skunks, dogs, cats) Warm water is better than cold, some can not take the cold water it will kill them Good idea to add vitamins & electrolyte to the water Add shiny marbles to the feed and water to help them find it Dip their beaks in the water to show them where it is

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Raising the Turkey middle weeks Fully feathered, moved from the brooder to a grow pen, 6 square feet per bird. Covered preferable 8-10 weeks switch the birds to a grow ration 22% protein, can be medicated for blackhead disease Continue to supplement water with vitamins Raise separately from other fowl Keep pen clean, shavings work well Raise feeders and waterers as birds grow, top of the back is the general rule Feed and water on a regular schedule Provide grit if none is available

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Raising the Turkey last 4-5 weeks Should be taken off of medicated feed Continue feeding and watering on a regular schedule Turkeys will dress 80% of body weight Take picture of you and your birds Prepare for sale

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Preparing for the sale Send an invitation to potential buyers Send a flyer to potential buyers Make an appointment to tag your birds Find a kennel to transport your birds to processing Those who invite potential buyers seem to do better in the Sale.

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Dear Mr. or Mrs. Business Owner, Hi my name is Sara and I am the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J Jones. I have been involved in the 4-H turkey program for the past four months caring for three turkeys that will be entered in the upcoming Turkey Sale, to be held Tuesday, November 22, in the Commons area of Wasatch High School, starting at 6 pm with refreshments. I would like to invite you out to this years sale. I really appreciate the support that you show to the youth of our community. Hope to see you there. Sincerely, Sara Jones

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Sale Day Dress appropriately, official 4-H or FFA dress Be on time for the Sale, be ready when your name is announced Hopefully you have done your part to bring some potential buyers Have fun

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program Potential Problems and Items to avoid Turkeys don’t need roosts, they do need clean pens with bedding to lay in. Turkeys do need clean water and feed to grow successfully to their potential. Turkeys bruise easily in handling, be careful in moving and working with them. Always remember we are trying to provide a wholesome product to the consumers. We are trying to provide an educational opportunity for young people.

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program 2007 Average $119.00 high of $180 2008 Average $127.50 high of $190 2009 Average $105.00 high of $210 We hope you join and have a great educational experience !!

Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program