open discussion on Raising Local Turkeys in Nigeria: My Practical Experience (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this write-up, I discussed the major and most deadly diseases affecting turkeys, with emphasis on fowl pox and preventive management. In this concluding part, I will share my practical experience raising local turkeys in Nigeria, focusing on feeding, adaptability, advantages, and challenges. Cost Effectiveness of Raising Local Turkeys From my experience, raising local turkeys is one of the most cost-friendly poultry ventures for small-scale and startup farmers. Local turkeys are highly adaptable and can thrive on a wide range of feed sources. They accept commercially formulated Nigerian poultry feed, but interestingly, they also perform well when alternative feeds are provided. When cash flow becomes a challenge, local turkeys can survive comfortably as long as they are not caged and are allowed to scavenge. Feeding Behaviour and Adaptability: I raised my local turkeys alongside goats on the same farm, and over time, they adapted to eating almost everything the goats ate. My turkeys competed actively with goats for: Cassava peels, Bean shafts, Maize shafts, Leftover household food, Other kitchen and farm waste. This adaptability significantly reduced my feeding costs. Eventually, I became almost independent of formulated feed, only assisting by breaking cassava peels into smaller pieces whenever I fed my goats. Health, Growth, and Resistance Throughout this period, I closely monitored my turkeys for signs of illness. Fortunately, I did not experience any serious health issues. Instead, the birds gained weight steadily and grew impressively, confirming their hardiness. Local turkeys also graze on various plants, which appear to provide natural medicinal benefits, contributing to their overall health and disease resistance. Challenges Observed in Raising Local Turkeys Despite their advantages, I observed some notable challenges: Aggressiveness among tom turkeys: Male turkeys fight frequently, especially when competing for territory or dominance. Territorial behaviour: When strangers—whether humans or animals like rats—enter their space, tom turkeys can become aggressive. Prolonged fights: Two tom turkeys may fight for days, leading to visible bruises and injuries if not separated. Conclusion. In conclusion, local turkeys are among the most cost-effective birds for beginner farmers. With minimal housing standards and low-cost feeding options, they can thrive and grow well. However, they are highly vulnerable to theft and not resistant to fowl pox, which farmers must actively manage. Interestingly, blackhead disease, which commonly affects exotic turkey breeds, rarely infects local turkeys—another advantage for farmers operating in rural environments. Overall, for farmers seeking a low-risk, low-cost poultry option in Nigeria, local turkey farming is a venture worth considering.

product's location: Ibadan