The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Raising Backyard Turkeys, by Stacy Benjamin

Reviewed by Jeremy Donnelly

Storey Publishing, 2025, 152pp, $18.99

In recent years, the movement towards sustainable living and homesteading has gained traction, drawing many individuals and families to explore the joy of raising their own livestock. Among the delightful options available to new poultry enthusiasts, turkeys stand out for their unique personalities, relatively low maintenance, and the sustainable bounty they can provide. Enter The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Raising Backyard Turkeys, an informative guide crafted specifically for those setting foot on this rewarding journey for the first time.

Authored by the experienced poultry enthusiast and expert Stacy Benjamin, this book serves as an accessible roadmap that demystifies turkey rearing from start to finish.  The tone is user-friendly, and the approach is practical. 

The book opens with an engaging introduction to the world of turkeys, describing their fascinating history and the diverse breeds available for hobby farmers. Stacy does an excellent job highlighting the unique traits of popular varieties such as the Bourbon Red, Narragansett, and Royal Palm turkeys, allowing readers to make informed decisions when selecting their feathered friends. The illustrations and captivating photographs sprinkled throughout the book create a vibrant visual experience that captures the essence of these majestic birds.

One of the sections that stands out is the comprehensive overview of turkey care requirements. Benjamin breaks down the care process into easily digestible segments, covering everything from housing and nutrition to health management and behavioral insights. The level of detail is impressive yet approachable; even those with no prior experience in animal husbandry will find the information easily applicable to their situations and can be transferred to other types of animal husbandry. Stacy emphasizes the importance of providing turkeys a safe, comfortable environment, alongside dietary recommendations that ensure optimal health, growth, and egg-laying capability (for those interested in raising hens).

This thorough guide is particularly valuable because it emphasizes humane treatment and understanding turkey behavior. Stacy provides insights into turkeys' social nature, including their communication styles and social hierarchies. This focus on compassion and respect for the animals encourages novice farmers to build meaningful relationships with their turkeys, enhancing their overall experience in raising them. The advice on establishing a bond with the birds through gentle handling and interaction is an especially nice touch, stressing that these creatures are not merely livestock but sentient beings deserving of care.

A section of the book is dedicated to fascinating facts and myths about turkeys, including engaging anecdotes and stories. Readers are invited into these animals' enchanting and rewarding world and will find themselves smiling at tales of their antics, from curious pecking at shiny objects to the unique bonding rituals that turkeys engage in.  From debunking stereotypes about turkey intelligence to highlighting their distinct behaviors, Benjamin successfully fosters a sense of enthusiasm and appreciation for the birds that newcomers to turkey farming may not have fathomed.

As the book progresses, practical tips can be found on every page, covering seasonal care, effective predator management, and essential biosecurity measures. Benjamin carefully delineates the dos and don'ts of turkey husbandry, ensuring that readers are adequately prepared for the challenges of raising these birds without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Stacy acknowledges that every backyard farmer will face obstacles and provides reassurance that these challenges can be managed.

The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Raising Backyard Turkeys is a well-crafted, insightful, and thoroughly delightful manual that is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in integrating turkeys into their backyard ecosystem. Benjamin’s friendly demeanor, coupled with a wealth of knowledge and practical advice, creates a refreshing resource that balances the fun and responsibility of turkey farming. Through this guide, aspiring farmers will not only gain the knowledge they need to raise turkeys successfully but will also cultivate a genuine love and respect for these fascinating birds.