Turkey farming is a significant sector of the poultry industry, supplying meat for both domestic and commercial markets. Turkeys are raised primarily for their lean, high-protein meat, which is in high demand during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, year-round production is also common to meet consumer needs.
Before starting a turkey farm, it’s essential to understand the costs involved to ensure profitability. This guide will cover:
- Initial setup costs
- Feed expenses
- Housing and equipment
- Labor and management
- Veterinary and health costs
- Processing and marketing
- Profitability analysis
Table of Contents
2. Initial Setup Costs
Before raising turkeys, you need to invest in infrastructure and equipment. The initial costs include:
A. Land and Housing
- Land Cost: If you don’t already own land, purchasing or leasing it will be a significant expense. Prices vary by location.
- Turkey Housing: Turkeys require secure, well-ventilated housing to protect them from predators and harsh weather.
- Brooder House (for poults): $1,000–$5,000 (depending on size)
- Grow-out Housing: $5–$15 per square foot (turkeys need 3–5 sq ft per bird)
- Outdoor Pens (for free-range systems): Additional fencing costs (~$1,000–$3,000)
B. Equipment
- Feeders & Waterers: $200–$1,000 (depending on flock size)
- Heating Lamps (for poults): $50–$200
- Ventilation Systems: $500–$2,000
- Incubators (if hatching eggs): $500–$5,000
C. Purchasing Poults (Baby Turkeys)
- Cost per Poult: $5–$15 (depending on breed and supplier)
- Minimum Order: Many hatcheries require a minimum order (e.g., 15–25 poults)
- Shipping Costs: $50–$200 (if ordering online)
Total Initial Setup Cost Estimate: $5,000–$20,000 (for a small to medium-scale farm)
3. Feed Costs (The Biggest Expense)
Feed accounts for 60–70% of the total cost of raising turkeys. Turkeys are voracious eaters, and their nutritional needs change as they grow.
A. Types of Feed
- Starter Feed (0–8 weeks): High-protein (28–30%) feed for poults.
- Cost: $20–$30 per 50-lb bag
- Grower Feed (9–16 weeks): 20–24% protein.
- Cost: $18–$25 per 50-lb bag
- Finisher Feed (17–24 weeks): 16–20% protein.
- Cost: $15–$22 per 50-lb bag
B. Feed Consumption
- Broad-Breasted White Turkey (Commercial Breed)
- Total feed per bird: 80–100 lbs (for 16–20 weeks)
- Feed cost per bird: $50–$80
- Heritage Breeds (Slower Growth)
- Total feed per bird: 100–150 lbs (for 24–28 weeks)
- Feed cost per bird: $70–$120
C. Ways to Reduce Feed Costs
- Free-ranging: Allows turkeys to forage, reducing feed intake by 10–20%.
- Supplementing with grains: Corn, wheat, and soy can lower costs.
- Bulk Purchasing: Buying feed in bulk (tons) can reduce costs by 10–15%.
Total Feed Cost for 100 Turkeys: $5,000–$12,000 (depending on breed and diet)
4. Labor and Management Costs
Raising turkeys requires daily care, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring health.
A. Labor Requirements
- Daily Tasks: Feeding, watering, cleaning, and health checks (~1–2 hours/day for 100 turkeys)
- Processing Labor: Slaughtering and packaging turkeys (can be outsourced or done on-farm)
B. Labor Cost Estimates
- Self-employed farmers: No direct wages, but opportunity cost exists.
- Hired labor: $15–$25/hour (part-time or full-time workers)
- Processing labor: $3–$5 per bird (if hiring a mobile processor)
Annual Labor Cost Estimate: $5,000–$15,000 (for a small to medium farm)
5. Veterinary and Health Costs
Keeping turkeys healthy is crucial to avoid losses.
A. Vaccinations & Medications
- Vaccines: $0.50–$2 per bird (for common diseases like Newcastle disease)
- Antibiotics & Supplements: $1–$3 per bird
- Vet Visits: $100–$500 per year (if needed)
B. Biosecurity Measures
- Disinfectants & Cleaning Supplies: $200–$500/year
- Pest Control: $100–$300/year
Total Health Costs for 100 Turkeys: $500–$2,000/year
6. Processing and Marketing Costs
Once turkeys reach market weight (14–28 lbs), they must be processed and sold.
A. Processing Costs
- Slaughterhouse Fees: $3–$8 per bird (if using a USDA facility)
- On-Farm Processing (DIY): Requires equipment (~$1,000–$5,000 for pluckers, scalder, etc.)
- Packaging & Labeling: $1–$3 per bird
B. Marketing & Sales
- Farmers’ Markets: Booth fees ($20–$100 per event)
- Online Sales: Website costs (~$500–$2,000/year)
- Wholesale to Restaurants/Grocery Stores: May require certifications (e.g., organic, free-range)
Total Processing & Marketing Costs: $5–$15 per bird
7. Total Cost Breakdown (Per Bird)
Here’s an approximate cost breakdown for raising one turkey to market weight:
| Expense Category | Cost per Bird |
|---|---|
| Poult Purchase | $5–$15 |
| Feed | $50–$120 |
| Housing & Equipment (Amortized) | $5–$20 |
| Labor | $5–$15 |
| Veterinary & Health | $2–$5 |
| Processing | $5–$15 |
| Total Cost per Turkey | $72–$190 |
Note: Costs vary based on scale, location, and farming practices.
8. Profitability Analysis
A. Selling Price
- Whole Turkey (Fresh, Organic): $4–$8 per lb (retail)
- Conventional Turkey: $2–$4 per lb (wholesale)
- Heritage Breeds: $6–$12 per lb (premium price)
B. Revenue per Bird
- 16–20 lb Turkey at $4/lb: $64–$80
- 24–28 lb Heritage Turkey at $6/lb: $144–$168
C. Profit Margin
- Conventional Turkeys: $0–$20 profit per bird (low margin)
- Organic/Free-range Turkeys: $30–$80 profit per bird (higher margin)
Key to Profitability:
- Scale: Larger flocks reduce per-unit costs.
- Direct Marketing: Selling directly to consumers increases profits.
- Value-Added Products: Selling smoked turkey, sausages, or deli meats can boost revenue.
Here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about turkeys, covering their biology, behavior, and cultural significance:
1. What do turkeys eat?
Turkeys are omnivores and eat a varied diet, including seeds, nuts, insects, berries, and small reptiles. Domestic turkeys are often fed commercial poultry feed.
2. How long do turkeys live?
Wild turkeys live 3–5 years on average due to predators, while domesticated turkeys can live up to 10 years if not raised for meat.
3. Why do turkeys gobble?
Male turkeys (toms) gobble to attract females (hens) and establish dominance. They also make other sounds like clucks and purrs.
4. Can turkeys fly?
Wild turkeys can fly short distances (up to 55 mph in bursts) to escape predators, but domesticated turkeys are usually too heavy to fly.
5. What’s the difference between wild and domestic turkeys?
Wild turkeys are leaner, more agile, and have darker meat, while domestic turkeys are bred to be larger with more breast meat and are usually white-feathered.
6. Why are turkeys associated with Thanksgiving?
Turkeys became a Thanksgiving staple in the U.S. due to their abundance in early America and historical references to wildfowl at harvest celebrations.
7. Do turkeys have good eyesight?
Yes! Turkeys have excellent daytime vision (including color perception) and a nearly 360-degree field of view, helping them spot predators.
8. How fast can turkeys run?
Turkeys can run up to 20–25 mph, helping them escape threats.
9. Do turkeys really drown in the rain?
No, this is a myth. While turkeys might look up during rain (possibly leading to water entering their nostrils), they don’t drown from it.
10. Are male and female turkeys different?
Yes! Males (toms) are larger, have colorful wattles and snoods (fleshy face growths), and fan their tails. Females (hens) are smaller and duller in color.