–by Brittany May We have considered adding turkeys to our backyard flock for a while now. While researching turkey breeds, we decided if we ever did get turkeys, we wanted a white, medium-sized breed. A friend recently got in touch with us to ask if we were interested in adopting Popeye, a male Royal Palm turkey that she had hatched the previous year. Even though we have no interest in raising turkeys, it seemed sensible to have a few of these magnificent birds. When we had considered turkeys before, we were just planning on raising baby turkeys, not adopting adults. But when we were given this opportunity, we decided to dive in head first. We chose to adopt two Royal Palm turkey females in addition to taking Popeye so he wouldn’t be alone.
Are you captivated by the majestic Royal Palm turkey? These medium-sized, white birds are a popular choice for backyard flocks, and for good reason. Their beauty, docile nature, and delicious eggs make them a rewarding addition to any poultry enthusiast’s collection
Witnessing the Strut: A Sign of Confidence
In the captivating photos from Backyard Chickens, we see a 3-month-old Royal Palm poult exhibiting a remarkable behavior: strutting. This impressive display, often accompanied by a puffed-up chest and spread wings, is a sign of confidence and dominance. Even at such a young age, this little poult is showcasing its potential as a future leader of the flock.
Caring for Your Royal Palm Turkey
As with any poultry, proper care is essential for your Royal Palm turkey’s well-being. Here are some key considerations:
- Diet: Royal Palms have a hearty appetite and require a balanced diet rich in protein and nutrients. Offer them a high-quality turkey feed supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional treats like mealworms and millet seeds.
- Housing: Provide your turkey with a spacious coop that offers protection from the elements and predators. Ensure adequate ventilation and include roosting bars for comfortable nighttime rest.
- Health: Regularly monitor your turkey’s health and implement preventative measures like deworming and vaccination. Consult a veterinarian for any health concerns.
Adding a Royal Palm Turkey to Your Flock
If you’re considering adding a Royal Palm turkey to your existing flock, here are some helpful tips:
- Quarantine: Introduce new birds gradually by quarantining them for a period to observe their health and prevent the spread of diseases.
- Socialization: Allow your turkey to gradually interact with your other poultry under supervision. Monitor their behavior and intervene if necessary to prevent aggression.
- Pecking Order: Be mindful of the pecking order within your flock. Introduce your turkey at a young age to facilitate integration and minimize conflicts.
Learning from Experience: A Journey of Discovery
As shared in Backyard Poultry, adding Royal Palm turkeys to a flock can be an enriching experience. From witnessing their fascinating behaviors to enjoying their delicious eggs, these birds offer a unique and rewarding addition to your backyard homestead.
Additional Resources
- Backyard Chickens: For a comprehensive discussion on raising Royal Palm turkeys, visit the “Baby Royal Palm strutting photos (just three weeks old)” thread on Backyard Chickens.
- Backyard Poultry Magazine: Learn more about adding Royal Palm turkeys to your flock with the informative article “How to Add a Royal Palm Turkey to Your Flock” on Backyard Poultry Magazine.
Embrace the Journey with Your Royal Palm Turkey
Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or a curious newcomer, adding a Royal Palm turkey to your flock can be an exciting adventure. By providing proper care, socialization, and integration, you can witness the unique charm and beauty of these magnificent birds. So, embark on this journey with an open mind and a love for these feathered friends, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly enriching experience.
Bringing home our Royal Palm turkey and his ladies.
These wild girls amazed us. They had been in a small pen with several other turkeys and very limited human contact. They calmed down immediately and started eating out of our hands within two days. What really amazed us was the fact that they started to lay eggs for us immediately. These big, beautiful, speckled turkey eggs are so delicious! They are about the same size as a duck egg and have a wonderfully large yolk inside.
In the limited time, we’ve had our new turkeys, we’ve really learned a lot. Perhaps the most surprising thing we have learned is how protective Popeye is of us. We have always had our rooster, Chachi, and he is a stinker. He loves to sneak up on us and attack for no reason. Now that a new sheriff has arrived in town, Popeye forbids this hostility from being aimed at us. He calmly walks up to Chachi and proceeds to escort him away from us. I have to say, this is one of my favorite things at the moment.
Here are a few tips for adding an adult Royal Palm turkey to your flock.
- We chose to quarantine our Royal Palm turkeys, as we would with any poultry, to ensure their health before allowing them to interact with our flock. We are worried about a number of things, including lice/motes, coccidiosis, and respiratory illnesses. We promptly supplemented their diet with diatomaceous earth, probiotics, and garlic, and treated their waterers with apple cider vinegar.
- Whenever we entered their enclosure during the quarantine period, we had to wear biosecurity boot covers. We also had to clean and refill separate food bowls and water dishes from our flock.
- We moved the turkeys inside our main fencing after the quarantine period so they could see the guinea pigs and the chickens and so everyone could get used to each other. We wanted to make sure that Popeye, our new turkey, Chachi, our rooster, and Kenny, our male guinea pig, didn’t get in the way of each other.
Royal Palm Turkey | Beautiful Smaller Birds
FAQ
How long does it take for a royal palm turkey to mature?
What do baby Royal Palm turkeys look like?
What does a 8 week old turkey look like?
Are Royal Palm turkeys rare?
When did the Royal Palm turkey become an official breed?
Development of the Royal Palm Turkey took place in Florida in the early 1920s. However, this was very early development. It would still take a few decades before the Royal Palm Turkey would become an official breed in the eyes of breeding organizations. We do not know for sure the exact breeds that went into the development of this bird.
How many eggs does a Royal Palm turkey lay a year?
A mature female turkey can lay between 80 to 120 eggs per year, with each egg weighing between 50 and 60 grams. The eggs are typically white with brown speckles and are considered to be of high quality for both eating and hatching. Royal Palm turkeys are primarily kept for their eggs and as ornamental birds.
Is a Royal Palm turkey good for a garden?
It is great for placing in a small garden. Like most turkeys, the Royal Palm Turkey is not going to lay that many eggs. As a result, most people are not going to eat the turkey eggs and, instead, use them for breeding purposes. Luckily, this is one of the easiest turkeys to breed. It has a decent fertility rate.