Inexpensive collapsible covered pen with slatted floor for turkeys

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Husbandry

Background:

• Fowl cholera poses a significant threat to turkey populations.
• Effective confinement methods are crucial for disease research and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel collapsible pen for confining turkeys during fowl cholera research.
• To assess the pen's practicality, cost-effectiveness, and biosecurity features.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a collapsible pen featuring a hinged steel roof, wire sides, and slatted wooden floors.
• Evaluation of the pen's ease of use for feeding, watering, and manure disposal.
• Assessment of the pen's protective qualities against environmental factors and predators.

Main Results:

• The developed pen is inexpensive to construct.
• It significantly conserves labor in daily turkey management tasks.
• The design offers protection from environmental elements and predators while ensuring adequate ventilation.

Conclusions:

• The collapsible pen is a practical and economical solution for confining turkeys in research settings.
• This design enhances biosecurity and simplifies animal care, facilitating effective disease research.