1. Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program
Brooding the Poults
Poults love heat 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 weeks of age for cooler nights.
Leave room for poults to get away from the heat
Check arrangement of poults regularly

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

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

14. Wasatch County Junior Turkey Program