Even with good management, problems such as piling, disease, leg disorders, and cannibalism can occur in the barn. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.

Piling

Piling can occur if the ambient temperature of the barn is too cold or if there is a sudden, unexpected noise.

If birds are cold, they will pile up on top of each other and suffocate those on the bottom. Make sure that the barn is kept at an appropriate temperature, especially at night.

The following are best management practices for producing healthy turkeys with minimum mortality and maximum performance.

Turkey housing

Turkeys should not be reared with chickens or hens or in housing that has been used to rear these two species. Chickens carry diseases that can be transmitted to turkeys.

Follow these recommendations for floor space, feeders, and waterers for broiler turkeys:

Disease prevention starts at the hatchery, but there are a number of steps that farmers need to take after that.

Preventive measures at the hatchery will help protect the chicks that you receive. These include:

• Eradicating egg-borne pathogens

• Building genetic resistance in the chicks

• Building chick immunity through maternal antibodies