The First Hatches of Rio Grande Turkey each season are sold as hatched in groups of 28-33 that are hatched together. They will be raised in outdoor pens at Bird and Bee Farm until ready to forage at 3 months old. These pens are designed to minimize their exposure to pets and humans. These hatches can be reserved by contacting us. $500 deposit required.
Pick up location one hour from Austin, College Station or Waco Texas.
If you provide us with a feeder we will make sure they are trained to use it before they leave here. Some people let them forage right away and others put them in a barn or other enclosure so they can acclimate. The feeder shown above is made in Texas (All Seasons Feeders - Turkey Feeder) and works well but others are also available from different manufacturers.
This innovative Rancher created this feeding station. It is designed to keep animals from climbing up on it. Note how the legs are set back away from the edge. It also served as a good place for the Rio's to get up off the ground when they first arrived.
All Seasons also makes a similar stand.
https://www.allseasonsfeeders.com/collections/wild-bird/products/turkey-feeder-platform
This stand is in an opened area and the Rio's have a good view of any predators that may choose to hunt them while they eat.
This Rafter was successfully acclimated and are doing well. The Rancher even planted a food plot for them. This Rancher purchased them to roam and provide chemical free pest control on his farm.
Others want Rio's for their beauty and chemical free pest control around their homestead. They choose to bring them home to a barn where they are let them out in the morning and put up in the evening. This is what we do at Bird and Bee Farm.
Small farms or ranches may purchase 1 or 3 month old Poults too, a minimum purchase is 6, they are sold straight run (unsexed). You will find care information below. If you are going to want Rio Grande Wild Turkey Jennies and Jakes you should contact us.
At the end of the season (Sept - Nov.) you may have an opportunity to purchase older pairs or pairs of Jakes.
Our Rafter of Rio Grande Turkeys is one of the last legal breeding Rafters in the country. We let them roam free most of the year so their existence is in Gods Loving Hands. They are here by Gods grace.
One hour from Austin, College Station and Waco Texas
An innovative 2022 Customer has found a solution to help the Rio's get into the trees. A simple playground near feed, water and trees can help alleviate losses during the first few days. Not all customers experience trouble getting their Rios into the trees but this might be helpful if you put something like this up before they arrive.
Your 3 month old Rio's need to be picked up in the dark and should arrive at their destination early morning if at all possible. This gives them the whole day to re-group and explore their environment so they will find their way into trees before dark. Catching the Rio's in the dark is much less stressful for the Rio's and the catcher.
Most Rio's are picked up in Stock Trailers but other methods may be suitable. Any openings that are bigger than 3" need to be covered. We have used plastic safety fencing on this tailer but many methods work and most involve zip ties, like chicken wire or gardening lattice. Some have screwed strips of wood or metal to narrow openings. You may have an innovation all you own!
Enclosed trailers can be used as long as they have adequate cooling and ventilation. We don't advise using Slant Type Horse Trailers, these have sharp corners where the Rio's will pile up on each other and cause injuries.
It is suggested that one hatch be divided into two or more sections. The stock trailer pictured has two sections, if picking up two hatches four sections are suggested. If you load too many in a section there is a risk one or more will get trampled on and killed or injured.
If you want them to become part of your farm family, first generations can become quite friendly. We hear stories about them riding along on the ATV to check on the livestock and coming to the kitchen door for snacks.
One customer raises a dozen or so Rio's from one week old every year and lets them integrate on her ranch. She eventually sees less and less of them but they often come back to show her their poults. She shared this beautiful picture with us.
This beautiful customer has built a bound with this lovely lady. Here they are hanging out together. No matter what you want Rio's for, they always provide chemical free pest control and beautify the landscape.
Call Cindy to get some today!
This customer put up a loafing barn, the Rio's love it and they don't mind sharing.
Rio's are ofter found in the Rafters of abandoned barns, that is why some call a group of Rio's a Rafter.
The goal is for your Rios to be comfortable flying in and out of trees.
Well trimmed trees with no understory makes it easier for them to navigate their large bodies while they are learning to fly long distances. They love to be on the edge of a clearing but no matter how much we plan they ultimately choose their favorite spots, often changing by the season.
As noted by one of our very astute customers. When they roost high off the ground on the thin parts of the branches they are safe!
We will never tire of seeing them foraging and doing what they do best, eating bigs and critters. We would love to help you see this beautiful site on your Farm or Ranch. Contact me today so we can make a plan. Cindy 512-808-8533
Bird and Bee Farm in Rockdale maintains a large Rafter of 50 Rio Grande Wild Turkeys all year long. When it warms up in the Spring they begin to lay eggs, when it gets too hot they stop. If you have ever wanted Rio's to flourish on your Farm or Ranch, for Chemical Free Pest Control now is the time to reserve yours.
Things to consider when placing your Rio's.
This video will provide you with information on how to prepare your farm and ranch to be a suitable habitat for Rio's.
To be successful you will need to put some effort into this project. In addition to the items referenced above predator control is also critical as you will see below.
All Farms and Ranches have these predators. Our survey of past customers make the following points.
For more information about Rio Grade Wild Turkey
Article from Field and Stream Magazine
https://www.fieldandstream.com/conservation/declining-turkey-populations
In Texas a license is required to possess Rio Grande Turkey in captivity for the purpose of propagation or sale, or for selling game bird eggs. If you intend to sell game birds, sell game bird meat or their eggs you will need a license and they are inexpensive and easy to obtain.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdforms/media/pwd_0884_l2000_game_bird_breeder_lic_app.pdf
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