what to feed turkeys and chickens

What foods can you give to your turkey chicks?

• Corn. While maize is not the most nutritious meal in and of itself, it may be a good source of fat and overall energy.
• Sunflower seeds. These seeds can be found in a variety of custom mixed feed diets. The oil in the seeds helps to give...
• Flax seeds. Almost all bespoke meals contain these incredibly protein-dense seeds.

Full Answer

What is the best food in Turkey?

When it comes to Christmas dinner, the dominating force is usually the turkey. But if we were all truly honest, isn't it the side dishes we're actually looking forward to most? Pigs in blankets, bread sauce, cranberry sauce, roasted parsnips, stuffing... these tasty jewels beside the golden bird are arguably the best bit.

What are natural food sources for turkeys?

• Season: Turkeys, like all animals, select food sources that are most abundant and easiest to reach. ...
• Geography: A bird's location greatly influences the foods it can find. ...
• Age: Young wild turkeys can forage for themselves very quickly, and the hen will lead her brood to the best available food sources. ...

What do you feed a wild turkey?

What Do Wild Turkeys Eat

• Acorns
• Beechnuts
• Hawthorns
• Crabapples
• Cherry
• Blackberry
• Dogwood
• Sumac
• Wild grape
• Chestnut tree

More items...

What is the average feed conversion ratio for turkeys?

With an average butcher weight of 8.82 lbs. per bird, this calculates to an approximate feed conversion ratio of 7.9 lbs., carcass weight as choice feeding on the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), blood biochemical attributes, and immune competence traits of growing turkeys under intensive system.

Can you feed chickens and turkeys the same food?

Aside from the erratic behavior of the chicks, the turkeys need to be fed a different diet than the chickens. There are specific types of feed, or mash, for turkey chicks that will provide the babies with the proper amount of protein.

What do you feed turkeys chickens?

They enjoy nuts, acorns, seeds (including many wild weed seeds), corn, grain, and peas. They eat berries, flowers, bulbs, foliage, and fruit. Domesticated turkeys have different needs than chickens or ducks and should be fed either a turkey formulated feed or a wild or game bird feed to meet their needs.

Do turkeys need different feed than chickens?

Turkeys are supposed to eat a higher protein food than chickens and game feed is the preferred turkey food. If you are raising turkeys for meat, it is important to feed them the proper protein content, but we honestly feed our turkeys the same food we feed the chickens.

What is the best thing to feed turkeys?

FEED turkeys cracked or whole kernel corn, sunflower seeds, oats, wheat, or non-medicated commercial poultry or turkey rations. FEED turkeys daily by broadcasting food at a rate of 2 large handfuls (or 1/2 cup) per turkey per day.

What should you not feed turkeys?

Here is some food that you should not feed to turkeys:Low-Quality chicken feed.Dairy foods.Onions.Raw meat.Chocolate.Processed foods.Fruit pits and seeds.Tomato and eggplant leaves.More items...

Can turkeys eat rice?

We've all heard the warning: don't feed rice to birds or don't throw rice at weddings because birds will eat it. Fact is, rice cooked or uncooked won't hurt wild birds at all. The rumor is that uncooked rice hits the bird's tummy and then swells causing its stomach to explode. It's simply not true.

Can turkeys eat banana peels?

Bananas, beginning with the peels to the edible part, can be a great reward to provide to your birds. You should not provide them a raw banana peel. They are thought-about edible as soon as boiled and have some advantages to them!

Is Chick starter OK for turkeys?

Chick starter can be used to raise turkeys, with cautions: It does not have enough proteins or vitamins for good development. If chick starter is used, be sure to supplement with brewer's yeast at the rate of 2 cups per 10 lbs of chick starter.

Can I keep turkeys and chickens together?

One of the main ways to keep turkeys healthy is too NOT raise chickens and turkeys together. When turkeys and chickens are raised together, turkeys run a high risk of contracting the disease histomoniasis, also known as blackhead.

Do turkeys eat bird seed?

Foods They Eat Seeds and grain, including spilled birdseed or corn and wheat in agricultural fields. Berries, wild grapes, crabapples, and other small fruits. Small reptiles including lizards and snakes. Fleshy plant parts such as buds, roots, bulbs, succulents, and cacti.

Is Cracked corn good for wild turkeys?

Cracked Corn-Corn is chocked full of protein and fiber that makes a great wild turkey food. Cracked corn is simply corn that has been dried and broken into pieces. This process makes it easier for wild turkeys to digest.

Can turkeys eat table scraps?

Types of Turkey Feed Turkeys like to eat the growing tips of the grass. They will also enjoy any kitchen or garden scraps: lettuce, tomatoes, sweet corn, summer squash, and so on.

Can turkeys and chickens be kept together?

One of the main ways to keep turkeys healthy is too NOT raise chickens and turkeys together. When turkeys and chickens are raised together, turkeys run a high risk of contracting the disease histomoniasis, also known as blackhead.

Can turkeys eat chick starter?

Chick starter can be used to raise turkeys, with cautions: It does not have enough proteins or vitamins for good development. If chick starter is used, be sure to supplement with brewer's yeast at the rate of 2 cups per 10 lbs of chick starter.

What to feed turkeys to lay eggs?

In the spring, when the turkeys start laying, I offer oyster shell free choice. They also enjoy fresh greens, pumpkin, and extra chicken eggs scrambled. We do offer grit to both our chickens and turkeys, but because our birds free range, they consume most of their digestible grit from the ground.

Can turkeys eat eggs?

However, there is no evidence that turkeys intentionally target chicks or poults. Their beaks are not designed to eat birds or eggs. They don't have meat-tearing beaks like hawks, eagles, or vultures.

What to feed a turkey to fatten it up?

This can come in the form of a starter or grower feed. For fattening up a turkey, using a 30% protein gamebird feed will likely give the best results.

What is the best feed for turkey fat?

For fattening up a turkey, using a 30% protein gamebird feed will likely give the best results.

Why are turkeys considered commercial birds?

Because turkeys (and chickens) are commercial birds, turkey growers and universities have put millions of dollars into research to ensure that they grow strong and healthy. For meat birds, rations are typically formulated so they grow to their maximum potential but not so fast as to cause issues with their health.

What happens to turkey chicks as they get older?

As your turkey chick (poult) gets a little older, the protein requirements decrease.

How to get turkeys to be more friendly?

Feeding your turkey treats by hand is a great way to get your birds to become more friendly and used to you. They will learn that not only do you not hurt them, coming close to you usually means they get some kind of yummy treat!

What is the best grain to feed a turkey?

Oats have about 11 – 14% protein and are a great grain to feed as well. Giving your turkey a variety of grains to access will help encourage them to eat.

When can turkeys start eating game bird feed?

At about 13 weeks or so, your turkeys can start eating a regular turkey or game bird feed. At this stage, you can start feeding a lower percentage protein. As far as commercial poultry feeds go, typically the lower the total percentage protein in the feed, the less expensive it is.

What to feed a turkey?

Here are some common snacks often offered to turkeys: 1 Watermelon#N#This is an excellent summertime treat to offer your turkeys as it can help keep them hydrated even on the hottest days. All parts of the watermelon are safe to feed your turkeys, including the flesh, seeds, and rind. 2 Apples#N#Most turkeys love apples and will enjoy pecking at them cubed or sliced. Seeds should be removed if possible, but small amounts of seed ingested on occasion are not dangerous to your birds. Applesauce is a great snack option for young birds as well! 3 Peas#N#This is probably going to be the table scrap your turkeys enjoy the most! Peas are a healthy snack to offer your birds and can be offered dried, cooked, or frozen. You can even mix peas into your regular feed ration for extra protein! 4 Spinach#N#If you really want to offer spinach to your turkeys as an occasional treat or snack, doing so in small amounts is fine. Spinach can block the absorption of calcium, leading to bone density issues over the long term if fed in abundance.

What is the best food for turkeys?

Many custom rations for turkeys include a variety of grains and seeds, including: Corn. While corn is not the most nutritious food on its own, it can be a great option for providing fat and overall energy. This can be especially useful in the winter, so corn is common in most winter rations.

What Is Fermented Feed?

Fermenting is a way to take advantage of lactic acid fermentation in your commercial or custom mixed turkey rations. It is a simple and highly effective way to make digestion easier on your flock, leading to larger-sized birds with less feed required.

How much protein do turkeys need?

As turkeys grow, their protein requirements change. Young turkeys require around 28% protein from the start to ensure they grow quickly and safely.

What do turkeys eat?

Their exact diet depends on the season and available food and their age and stage in life. Turkeys eat insects, snails, slugs, lizards, snakes, and grasshoppers. They enjoy nuts, acorns, seeds (including many wild weed seeds), corn, grain, and peas. They eat berries, flowers, bulbs, foliage, and fruit.

How to attract turkeys to your farm?

Attracting wild turkeys can be as simple as clearing out some dense brush and leaving large trees available for roosting or as elaborate as planting a diverse selection of plants to attract them. Native nut-bearing and fruit-bearing bushes, shrubs, and small trees help attract turkeys, quail, and deer to the area as they will feed, rest and nest in areas where food is abundant.

Why mix your own feed ration?

Mixing your own feed ration can be the best option if you want to focus on a more cost-effective sole ingredient to provide the right nutrients or if you have a larger flock and prepackaged bags of feed are not enough . Additionally, mixing your own ration can be a great way to ensure your flock is receiving only organic or antibiotic-free grains.

How long does it take for a turkey to die from blackhead disease?

If a farm becomes infected with blackhead disease, the only way to truly get rid of it is to remove the poultry and wait three years to be sure it has died off. Even after that, there is no guarantee because wild birds carry the disease as well.

Do turkey chicks need starter?

While chick starter does have protein, it is not quite enough for the turkeys, especially if they are being raised for the dinner table.

Do chickens go out of the brooder?

In The Brooder. Brooder temperatures are going to be very similar for both turkeys and chickens, however, chickens are raring to go right out of the egg. They can be a bit more flighty and aggressive than a turkey chick, and therefore, the turkeys may get trampled and pecked.

Can I have chickens with other birds?

Poultry enthusiasts often dabble with different species of birds. One of the questions that comes up often is, “Can I keep chickens with other kinds of poultry?” or “Can I have a mixed flock?” The short answer is YES, you can. But should you?#N#Generally speaking, ducks, peafowl, and turkeys can certainly be kept on the same property together, and they would coexist very well. Most types of poultry prefer to spend time with the same kind of poultry. Chickens like chickens, ducks like ducks, and turkeys like turkeys. Aside from a few health concerns and logistics, there aren’t many reasons to keep chickens separate from turkeys.#N#Here are a few things to consider before raising chickens and turkeys together:

Can you put turkeys in a coop?

Turkeys usually prefer roosting in the outdoors, but for those who are in tough weather conditions and with no access to a good enclosed run, this is probably not an option. So in the coop they go! Now if you are going to have turkeys in the coop with your chickens there are several things you need to keep in mind.#N#First, turkeys are larger! You will need to recalculate how much roosting space you have for your flock. Turkeys will naturally take up more space than chickens.#N#Second, turkeys feet are larger. I typically use a small branch for the roost but turkeys feet are larger and will fully wrap around it. This means that when the turkey sits down on the roost its feet will not be completely covered by its feathers, rather, they will be exposed in the cold weather and potentially be frost bitten. This can be addressed by putting a thicker roost branch or even a 2×2 or 2×4 instead. Some of our readers have very beautiful and intricate chicken coops and this may not be as easy as just swapping a stick out.

Can ducks and turkeys live together?

Generally speaking, ducks, peafowl, and turkeys can certainly be kept on the same property together, and they would coexist very well. Most types of poultry prefer to spend time with the same kind of poultry. Chickens like chickens, ducks like ducks, and turkeys like turkeys. Aside from a few health concerns and logistics, ...

Do turkeys take up more space than chickens?

First, turkeys are larger! You will need to recalculate how much roosting space you have for your flock. Turkeys will naturally take up more space than chickens. Second, turkeys feet are larger. I typically use a small branch for the roost but turkeys feet are larger and will fully wrap around it.

Is it a Good Idea to Raise Chickens and Turkeys Together?

When deciding whether or not it is a good idea to raise chickens and turkeys together, the first thing to think about is what you mean by ‘together.’ Some homesteaders may raise both chickens and turkeys on their property but may decide to keep them separate at all stages in their lives.

The Pros of a Shared Coop for Chickens and Turkeys

The first thing to consider is whether you should have a shared coop for your chickens and turkeys. It is possible to house turkeys and chickens together, and this can have certain benefits. But there are a number of things that you must bear in mind in order to design and create accommodation that will suit both species.

The Cons of a Shared Coop for Chickens and Turkeys

While keeping hens and turkeys in the same coop can work well, it is important to remember that these are different birds with different needs when it comes to their space requirements and roosting needs.

The Pros of Raising Chicks and Young Turkeys in a Brooder Together

One pro to raising chicks and young turkeys in a brooder together is that both species require similar brooder temperatures. This means that less equipment might be required in order to set up your rearing systems.

The Cons of Raising Chicks and Young Turkeys in a Brooder Together

However, the cons of raising chicks and young turkeys together in a brooder mean that, generally, it is not considered to be a good idea.

How Many Chickens and Turkeys Can You Raise?

If you do decide to raise chickens and turkeys together on outside runs or in a free-range area, it is important to think about the land and how many birds it can support. You need to think about the vegetation on the site and how many birds can forage there without detrimentally affecting the environment.

Conclusion

While both chickens and turkeys can be great additions to a homestead, the above should make it clear that integrating the two is not always straightforward. Yes, you can definitely keep them together in various different ways, at different stages in their life cycles, and with differing degrees of integration.

How many turkey eggs can a chicken handle?

A medium-size chicken can handle about half a dozen turkey eggs. Soon after the eggs hatch, most broody hens will accept six or so additional poults slipped in with the ones she hatched. Chickens raised with turkeys acquire a sort of immunity to Marek’s disease.

What is the blackhead on turkeys?

And, of course, there’s the issue of blackhead, a serious disease of turkeys caused by the protozoa Histomonas meleagridis (and therefore technically called histomoniasis). These protozoa live in most poultry environments, except where the soil is dry, loose, and sandy.

Can you keep chickens and turkeys together?

Keeping Turkeys With Chickens. Conventional wisdom says you should never keep turkeys and chickens together, because turkeys are susceptible to blackhead, a disease with devastating consequences. However, lots of backyarders raise chickens and turkeys together without a problem, and with some benefits. Here are three good reasons ...

Do turkey poults hatch faster?

On the up side, newly-hatched turkey poults tend to get off to a slow start, but chicks are somewhat quicker on the uptake. Poults brooded with chicks learn to eat and drink more readily by following the chicks. Broody chickens may be used to hatch turkey eggs.

Can baby chicks eat turkey feed?

Baby chickens generally need 20-24 grams of protein in their diet, this is how much protein is present in starter feed. When these birds reach 6 weeks of age, they start having grower feed which contains 16-18% protein.

What other feeds can chickens eat?

If you don’t have any chicken feed, or turkey feed, to serve your chicken, you can give them game bird feed. This feed is healthy for them and will give them all the nutrients they need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes chickens can be given turkey feed but this is not recommended. Chickens and turkeys are different-sized birds and have different nutritional needs.

What are some good foods to feed a turkey?

Many fruits, nuts, berries, vegetables, and grains make ideal treats for turkeys. Turkeys need a diet that is naturally higher in protein than it is in sugar.

What Should I Feed My Turkeys?

If you own some turkeys, then you will need to think about what you regularly provide and offer them.

How many nutrients do chickens need?

Chickens need a balance of about 38 unique nutrients; from day one through to week 18, they require a starter gro feed and one complete layer feed for lying birds.

How much food should a laying hen eat a day?

You may wonder what the 90/10 rule looks like in real terms; laying hens consume approximately .25 pounds of complete feed a day.

Which is bigger, turkey or chicken?

Turkeys are much larger than chickens and require more protein in their diet than chickens.

How much should a turkey eat?

Turkeys grow to slaughter size at six months. A tom should eat approximately 100 pounds of feed, whereas a hen typically eats 60 pounds.

What do birds eat?

Depending on your location and local environment, this can range from nuts, seeds, berries, insects, bugs, plant foliage and even small reptiles and rodents. The list of food sources for these birds appears endless!

in The Brooder

in The Coop

• Turkeys usually prefer roosting in the outdoors, but for those who are in tough weather conditions and with no access to a good enclosed run, this is probably not an option. So in the coop they go! Now if you are going to have turkeys in the coop with your chickens there are several things you need to keep in mind. First, turkeys are larger! You wi...

See more on thehappychickencoop.com

Blackhead Disease

Feeding as Adults

Can Turkey Eggs Hatch Under A Broody Chicken?

Behavior Concerns