All flocks should be restricted to under fifteen birds since greater numbers leads to excessive feather loss, egg decline, and fighting. Whenever possible, allow, young turkey poults to be exposed to any noise, light, movement or other environmental variable that they will face as adults. The young poult is more able to learn and to be habituated to these variables. Each and every bird must be offered feed and water each day. Any changes in feeding or drinking behavior needs to be immediately reported to the facility supervisor and veterinary staff.
Poultry are sensitive to abrupt diet changes.
When necessary, changes should be made gradually. Poultry must have continuous access to clean drinking water. Any method of delivery using levers or valves will require time for the birds to learn to use it. The birds currently housed at UAC are given food purchased from Arizona Feeds. Hens that are producing eggs with soft shells are supplemented with oyster shell for calcium.