Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming is less popular, because it is relatively a less common breed of domestic turkey. It is a very strong and hardy breed, and is raised mainly for meat production purpose.
The Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey breed was originated from France. And it is supposedly brought to Flanders in the 16th Century from Mexico by the Spanish.
The Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey breed almost disappeared, but started again in 1985, especially in Champagne-Ardenne. And today it is the most popular turkey breed in France.
However, as these birds are good for meat production, so starting commercial Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming will be a good business. You will be able to make good profit from Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming business if you can market these birds easily in your area.
How to Start Dindon Rouge des Ardennes Turkey Farming
The Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkeys are very strong and hardy birds. So, starting commercial Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming business will relatively be easy.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Birds
First of all, you have to purchase very good quality, healthy and active birds for starting your Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming business. Purchasing good quality birds is very important, because good quality birds always ensure good production and maximum profits.
You can purchase either mature birds or day old poults depending on the price and availability in your area. The day old poults are generally much cheaper, but the mature birds are sold at very high price in the market. So we recommend starting with day old poults.
You can purchase the poults from any of your nearest poultry breeding centers, turkey poults suppliers or any existing Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farms (if there are any). You can also search your local online classified websites. Just ensure that the poults are strong and active.
Housing
Arranging a good housing system for your birds is important for commercial Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming business. Because a good house not only helps the birds to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from all types of wild predators and adverse weather conditions.
The type of the house can be any depending on your budget. It can be of full concrete setup or you can build the house with low cost and easily available materials such as bamboo or wood. Just ensure that the house is secure and comfortable enough for your birds.
The turkey birds generally require a clean environment and comfortable housing system. So, ensure all the required facilities are available inside the house. You will also need to provide the bird with a good roosting area with a roof. And the roosting area must have to have good protection against predators.
Allowing the birds to access fresh pasture will be good. The birds also require a place to dust bathe and roosting place for flying up into at night. The Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkeys are large birds, and each mature bird will require around or up to 10-15 square feet of housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with very good quality, healthy and nutritious food is the most important part of Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming business. Because good quality birds helps the birds to grow better, produce more and stay healthy.
You can feed your birds either with commercial poultry feeds or ready-made turkey feeds (if available in your area). The turkey birds generally require more protein than the chickens. So ensure adequate amount of protein in their food.
Generally, the starter feed of poults should contain around 28% protein, and the mature bird’s food should contain at least 20% protein. You can use either gamebird starter or chick starter feeds for feeding your poults for the first 6 weeks. And then switch to a grower after 6 weeks.
Depending on the variety, the turkey birds generally reach marketing size within their 6 months of age. And on average, a hen will require approximately 60 pounds of food, and a tom will require around 100 pounds of food for reaching marketing size within 6 months.
Always try to provide your birds with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. And never feed your birds with contaminated feeds.
The Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkeys are good for raising in both confinement and free range system. But they generally do very well in free range system. Allowing the birds to roam freely has some benefits. It will help you to reduce feeding costs, and at the same time the birds will produce better quality products.
Breeding
Like many other domestic turkey breeds, the Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkeys are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce enough fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and toms in your flock. Generally, one healthy tom is enough for breeding around or up to 8-10 hens.
Caring
The Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkeys are very strong and hardy birds. And they generally require less caring and other management. Although, taking additional caring will help the birds to grow well and produce more.
Monitor your bird’s healthy on a regular basis for any signs of diseases or illness. And take necessary steps as soon as possible if you notice anything uncommon. Vaccinate your birds timely, and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing turkey products is not a problem. Because, turkey meat has very good demand and value in most areas. So, you don’t have to think much about marketing your products.
You will probably be able to sell your birds easily in your local market. Although you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the steps and ways for starting and operating a successful Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkey farming business. Raising Dindon rouge des Ardennes turkeys is very easy, even the beginners can also raise them. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
