Caring For Our Turkeys
Looking after birds is a holistic approach that incorporates general management of the birds, feed/nutrition, environment and animal health. This includes making sure they have access to clean water and nutritious food, are healthy and free from disease, pain and injury, are housed in environments that are comfortable and stress-free, and are able to express natural behaviours.
All Saskatchewan turkey farmers must follow a national Flock Care Program© that outlines the best housing, management practices and standards of bird care. Animal care is a priority from the time the poults enter their barns until the moment the birds leave the farm for processing.
How Farmers Care For Turkeys
Temperature & Lighting
Farmers keep barns at constant temperatures, which will depend on the age and stage of birds, and provide specialized lighting programs that offer 24-hour day/night rhythms to improve general health, growth rate, digestion, and prevent lameness.
Humidity & Litter Quality
Careful control of humidity and good litter quality helps maintain air quality and reduce problems related to litter that is too wet, which can cause burns or lesions on the feet, or too dry, resulting in respiratory issues.
Ventilation & Air Quality
These are crucial in the welfare and comfort of birds. Air quality depends on a number of important factors, such as bird size and age, stocking density, ambient temperature and relative humidity, litter quality, dust and ammonia levels.
Bird Behaviour
Farmers often rely on bird behavior as an indicator of animal health. Abnormal bird behaviour can help identify issues with the temperature, ventilation, general health and wellbeing.
Training On Day-To-Day Care Of Birds
Good animal care ensures that all those entrusted with working with birds are properly trained. Frequent, positive interactions with humans, even regular visual contact, reduces fear and stress in birds.
