Turkeys originate from the dry warmth of North America and a great deal of experience is required to ensure that they thrive in our European climate. Hence our farmers treat their turkeys carefully and lovingly. The first few weeks are the most challenging. When the chicks are new on the farm every tiny warning signal is of great significance. Our farmers react immediately because prevention is better than a cure. Later on it becomes easier: once the turkeys reach a certain age they can cope well with the local conditions. They like to spend plenty of time outside as they need a lot of movement and the fresh air strengthens their immune system, helping them to grow healthily.
The henhouses and outdoor areas are so varied that the turkeys can satisfy all their natural needs. They have plenty of space and things to occupy them such as sand and dust baths where they are free to scratch and peck or groom their feathers. They also have roosts or straw bales where they can retreat, which the senior birds like to sit on, while the socially weaker ones can avoid them. 15 hens per 10 square metres are kept at the most and in all a maximum of 2,500 in one henhouse.
Also important is their nutrition: developed to suit the birds and, of course, ecologically cultivated. Our farmers plant much of this themselves, like corn, peas and sunflowers. To ensure we get the right mixture we apply all our experience and commission selected local cornmills with the composition. This collaboration is part of our poultry partnership concept, like many other things with which we consequently secure our quality and ensure transparency: from chick to customer, from field to fridge.
