By Umar Nsubuga
Wilson Nkurunziza, a famous turkey farmer in Lwensama, Kasambya, Mubende district says rearing turkeys is such a profitable venture.
He says turkeys mature in less than two years and have a market locally and internationally. A mature turkey of about 4kgs costs between sh40,000 and sh100,000.
With proper farming methods, a single bird can lay up to 110 eggs in 28-30 weeks and each egg costs between sh3,000 and sh5,000.
“Many farmers are frustrated. The birds lay eggs in the bushes and wild animals eat them up,” Nkurunziza says.
However, he noted that researchers were getting ideas from Israel and other countries which rear turkeys using modern methods.
What farmers can do to improve their birds
-Keep hygiene around the turkeys’ house. This prevents common parasites like poultry lice and mites which have been associated with less egg production and poor hatchability. Inspect the birds and housing facilities at night, especially if you suspect chicken mite infestation.
-Confine the birds in a well-built structure.
-Treat and vaccinate the birds against diseases and consult veterinary officials about any shortcomings.
