Everything You Need to Know About 3 Month Old Royal Palm Turkeys

Raising royal palm turkeys can be a fun and rewarding experience. These beautiful, green-feathered birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. If you’re considering getting 3 month old royal palm poults, there’s a lot you’ll need to know to keep them healthy and happy. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about caring for 3 month old royal palm turkeys!

An Overview of Royal Palm Turkeys

The royal palm is a heritage breed of domestic turkey that originated in Florida in the 1920s. They are a medium-sized bird, with mature toms weighing 15-20 lbs and hens 10-12 lbs.

Some key facts about royal palms:

• Striking green and bronze iridescent feathers
• Long, flowing tail
• Docile temperament
• Excellent foraging abilities
• Produce delicious meat and eggs
• Thrive in warm climates

What 3 Month Old Royal Palm Poults Are Like

At 3 months old royal palm poults are growing quickly but still relatively small. Here’s what to expect

• Weight: Around 4-5 lbs
• Size: About 12 inches tall with a 20 inch wingspan
• Appearance: Mix of juvenile and adult feathers. Distinctive green plumage is starting to come in.
• Behavior: Curious, energetic and social. Enjoy interacting with humans and other birds. Beginning to establish pecking order.
• Gender Differences: Males may start strutting to show dominance. Hen feathers tend to be more brownish.

Their small size and friendly nature make 3 month old poults a joy to raise. But don’t be fooled by their cute appearance – they require proper care to thrive.

Feeding Your 3 Month Old Royal Palm Poults

Proper nutrition is crucial for your poults’ growth and health Here are some feeding tips

• Give them turkey starter feed: Look for a feed that is 28-30% protein. This provides the right nutrition for development.

• Free-choice feeding: Allow poults to access feed at all times to promote growth.

• Supplement with treats: Offer chopped greens, vegetables, fruits, mealworms and crumbles to vary their diet.

• Provide grit: Give insoluble grit to help their digestive system break down food.

• Ensure access to clean water: Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Adjust feed amounts as poults grow. Watch for signs of over- or under-eating and adjust accordingly.

Housing Your 3 Month Old Royal Palm Poults

Proper housing is essential for protecting your poults. Here’s what they need:

• Predator-proof shelter: A sturdy coop or barn to keep poults safe from predators at night.

• Perches: Low perches allow poults to begin roosting. Round dowel perches are ideal.

• Bedding: Use pine shavings or straw to line the floor. Keep dry and clean.

• Fencing: Surround shelter with poultry fencing to confine poults. Bury fencing to deter digging predators.

• Heat lamp/brooder: Use a heat lamp or brooder to keep poults warm until fully feathered (4-8 weeks).

• Space: Allow 2-4 square feet per poult inside shelter, and 8-10 square feet per bird for outdoor enclosure.

Ensure proper ventilation and access to the outdoors. Move poults to more space as they grow.

Caring for Your 3 Month Old Royal Palm Poults

Here are some key aspects of caring for your 3 month old poults:

• Monitor for illness: Watch for signs of disease like lethargy, diarrhea, coughing. Isolate and treat sick birds promptly.

• Prevent pests: Check regularly for lice, mites and worms. Use organic treatments if needed.

• Trim beaks/nails: Use scissors/clippers to trim overgrown beaks/nails if needed.

• Clean shelter: Remove soiled bedding promptly. Disinfect shelter before introducing new poults.

• Handle frequently: Get poults used to human contact through regular, gentle handling.

• Protect from weather: Bring poults inside or provide heating/cooling during extreme temperatures.

Providing attentive daily care will help your poults thrive as they grow.

Introducing 3 Month Old Poults to the Flock

If you plan to integrate 3 month old poults into an existing flock, introduce them gradually:

• Quarantine new poults for 2-4 weeks to ensure they are healthy.

• Allow poults and existing flock to see each other before mixing, to get accustomed to each other.

• Supervise initial interactions closely. Intervene if any aggression arises.

• Introduce poults to flock at night to lower risk of confrontation over territories.

• Provide ample space and resources to minimize competition.

• Be prepared to separate birds if integration issues persist.

With proper precautions, 3 month old poults can usually integrate well into an existing flock.

Signs Your 3 Month Old Poult is Healthy

Watch for these signs to know your 3 month old poult is thriving:

• Alert, active, sociable behavior

• Smooth, well-groomed feathers

• Clear eyes, nostrils and vent

• Strong appetite and weight gain

• Normal droppings

• Active foraging and scratching

• Ability to keep up with flock

• Bright red combs/wattles

• Shiny green/bronze feathers coming in

Healthy poults will be energetic, sociable and growing steadily. Contact a vet if you have any concerns.

Common Health Issues in 3 Month Old Poults

Young poults are vulnerable to certain health problems. Be vigilant for these common issues:

• Pasting: Diarrhea causes vent to become clogged with feces. Gently clean vent with warm water.

• Coccidiosis: Protozoal infection causes diarrhea, lethargy. Treat with amprolium.

• Respiratory illness: Congestion, sneezing, ocular/nasal discharge. Isolate bird, use antibiotics.

• Spraddle leg: Leg splaying outward. Gently bind legs together.

• Nutritional deficiencies: Ensure balanced diet. Supplement if needed.

• Pests/parasites: Use preventatives/treatments for lice, mites, worms.

Promptly isolating and treating any sick poults is crucial. Consult a vet if issues persist.

Enjoying Your 3 Month Old Royal Palm Poults

With their striking green feathers and engaging personalities, 3 month old royal palm poults bring real joy to backyard flock tenders. Follow these tips, and you’ll be rewarded with healthy, thriving young turkeys. Enjoy watching your impressive little poults grow into their full regal glory!