what to feed wild turkeys in winter

What is the best feed for wild turkeys?

Wild Turkey Food

• 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.
• Seeds-. Another easily attainable food source, seeds provide even more nutrition for wild turkeys. ...
• Crabapples-. It’s likely that you’ve already seen crabapples growing in the nearby woods. ...

How do turkeys eat without teeth?

Teeth or no teeth, turkeys have to eat food to survive. They just consume and digest food differently than human beings. Turkey’s diet and method of consumption are different, so, they do not chew like humans.

How do you keep wild turkeys on your property?

Turkeys roost overnight up in large, mature trees, so having deciduous trees in a thick patch—or leaving a woodland border intact adjacent to the yard—will help provide their desired shelter. Tall brush, mature shrubbery, and a large brush pile or woodpile can also help provide shelter that will attract wild turkeys.

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 is the best thing to feed wild turkey?

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.

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.

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...

How do wild turkeys survive cold winters?

Winter Habitat for Northern-Range TurkeysSouth-facing slopes, where sunlight limits snow depths.Conifer stands (particularly hemlock) because their limbs shield the ground.Food sources such as standing corn, apple trees and shrubs capable of holding fruit.

Will wild turkeys eat whole corn kernels?

Whole corn is an excellent choice if you want to feed them. Cracked corn works good too but tends to get covered up quickly if it is snowing or blowing. I've found they also like alfalfa hay, strange as it might seem. They get right into it and eat the green leaves and flowers.

Do wild turkeys eat bird seed?

Food. Turkeys are omnivorous and will sample a wide variety of foods. To attract turkeys to your yard, you can provide them with a large ground feeding station containing cracked corn or mixed birdseed.

Do turkeys eat carrots?

Turkeys love to pick at natural plants. They will consume all sorts of leaves and grasses. You can also feed your turkey various vegetable plants like lettuce, cabbage, carrot leaves, and much more.

Where do wild turkeys sleep in the winter?

treesWild turkeys love to sleep in trees during winter. Most times, they stay in areas where food is easily accessible. During the day, they hunt for food and rest up in the trees at night. Domesticated turkeys sleep in brooders in enclosed pens.

Why you shouldn't feed wild turkeys?

Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause turkeys to act tame and may lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially in the breeding season.

What temperature is too cold for turkeys?

Considering Temperature Temperature also plays a role in turkey activity, and particularly in how much noise turkeys will make over the course of a day. They tend to be the most vocal in mild temperatures—around 60-69°F—and weather that's too cold or too balmy will slow them down.

What do wild turkeys do in snow?

Snow will tend to hold turkeys close to their roosts, especially if it is a heavy snow. If it is snowing heavy enough to cause visibility problems, turkey don't like to move around a lot because the snowfall can hide predators. Yet, even with snowfall, turkeys have to eat, so they will move eventually.

How do wild turkeys keep warm in winter?

Like chickens, when turkeys roost, they settle down on their feet and their feathers keep their feet warm. It's critical to use a roost large enough so their toes can't go all the way around it; otherwise the tips of their toes won't be covered by the feathers, so they are vulnerable to frostbite.

Why is the NH Fish and Game Department not feeding turkeys?

The NH Fish and Game Department discourages people from purposefully feeding turkeys because doing so enhances the likelihood of disease, predation, and human conflicts. Fish and Game does not provide turkey feed or compensate individuals for the cost of turkey feed.

What are the consequences of irresponsible wildlife feeding?

BE ADVISED that irresponsible wildlife feeding can result in: the spread of disease and parasites; increased rates of predation by wild and domestic animals; human habituation by wildlife and resulting animal nuisance problems, and; the illegal taking of wildlife.

How to ensure a good distribution of food among flock members?

To ensure a good distribution of food among flock members, spread it out so that all birds have an opportunity to feed. FEED turkeys until the flock ceases daily visitation or until severe conditions moderate. FEED turkeys where you have observed turkeys feeding naturally in the past.

Does the Fish and Game Department advocate turkey feeding?

While the Fish and Game Department does not advocate wildlife feeding, we recognize that turkey feeding will at times take place with or without our input, and we also recognize that poor feeding practices may do more harm than good.

Can you feed turkeys in a residential area?

DO NOT feed turkeys within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling, adjacent to busy roads, in areas of high visibility, in residential areas or in areas where pets, predators or vehicles pose a threat to traveling or feeding turkeys.

Winter Food Sources

Most food will be gone by winter with every creature in the woods foraging to get fat before the weather gets bad. There are a few food items that are more likely to hang on until those later months. What these are is regionally dependent as well as on what other species are in the area.

Once you find a Turkey

The whole reason to concern yourself with winter diet is to figure out where the turkey will be heading next. Spring is a time of plenty and a favorite food for most plant-eating animals is new growth. Turkey often hit open fields for the freshest food sources.

What do wild turkeys eat?

They forage frequently and will eat many different things, including: Acorns, hickory nuts, beechnuts, or walnuts, either cracked open or swallowed whole. Seeds and grain, including spilled birdseed or corn ...

What do turkeys eat in the spring?

In spring, they eat more fresh buds, grasses, and similar plant material, while insects and berries are more popular fare in summer. In autumn and winter, nuts, fruits, and grains make up the bulk of a wild turkey's diet.

What to do if a turkey eats a lot of insects?

Minimize or eliminate herbicides and insecticides that could contaminate foods wild turkeys eat, particularly during the summer when young birds are more susceptible to toxic chemicals. Instead, allow turkeys to forage freely and they will eat many bothersome insects.

What is the same as wild turkey?

Seeds and grain, including spilled birdseed or corn and wheat in agricultural fields. In captivity or in agricultural settings, domestic turkeys —which are the same genetic species as wild turkeys—are often fed a special commercial feed formulated for game birds, turkeys, or poultry.

What do turkey farmers eat?

Many turkey farmers also supplement their flock's feeding with additional corn, grain, or other foods. The diet of domestic turkeys is often formulated to encourage heavier birds and faster growth to increase commercial profits.

How long does it take for a turkey to digest?

After feeding, turkeys will often roost quietly for several hours while they digest.

Do turkeys eat different things?

Though turkeys will eat many different things, their diets can be influenced by a number of factors, such as: Season: Turkeys, like all animals, select food sources that are most abundant and easiest to reach. When different foods are abundant in different seasons, turkeys adjust their diets accordingly.

Things to consider while choosing the best wild Turkey feed

To get the most suitable feed for your turkey, you need to consider some factors. In this way, you can guarantee an appropriate diet supply for your flock.

Popular Wild Turkey Feed Brands

There are several well-reputed brands that make fantastic food for wild turkeys. Here are the names of those top-rated manufacturers.

Top 6 Best Wild Turkey Feeds Reviews

Here are the reviews of the top wild turkey food supplements you can get. By the time you finish reading it, you can make a confident purchase.

Our Top Pick – Best Wild Turkey Food

After thorough research, our top pick for the best wild turkey feed is the M anna Pro Gamebird Showbird Crumbles. It’s full of nutrients and vitamins to keep your birds healthy and energetic. If you want to encourage muscle growth, this meal is the most remarkable one you can get.

The Bottom Line

Like any other breed, your wild turkeys will need proper nutrients for fabulous growth. If not, you can never expect a healthy bird on your farm.

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.

Why do turkeys need extra food?

Providing a little extra food in addition to their normal ration can help save on feed costs while ensuring nothing goes to waste. Turkeys, like most poultry, will readily accept scraps and leftovers, but as their caretaker, it is up to you to know which foods are safe for your flock.

How to attract wild turkeys to your property?

Diversity is key when trying to attract wild turkeys to your property. Always be sure to plant multiple choices to help coax turkeys into the area. Additionally, consider seeding the area with ryegrass, oats, sorghum, or corn to provide a well-rounded and lush place for turkeys and other wildlife to visit.

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.

What to avoid feeding turkeys?

Regardless of how abundant these scraps may be around your farm, these are some of the most common foods to avoid feeding turkeys: Uncooked Beans.

What should I feed my turkeys in the winter?

In addition, I suggest a late day feeding of corn, wheat, or both. Corn adds calories and fat to the diet and gives the turkeys something to burn to keep them warm at night. Wheat generates a lot of heat as it is digested, and so is an excellent winter feed.

Why do turkeys eat grains?

Feeding these grains late in the day causes the turkeys to eat a little bit more before they go to roost at night, ensuring a full crop for the long winter night. It also helps in two other ways: it causes the turkeys to exercise as they search out the grains, and it gives them something to do to alleviate boredom.

How high should a turkey roost be?

Roosts should be made of 2 x 4 boards turned so that they are 2″ high and 4″ across. Setting the roost boards in this way ensures that the turkeys have plenty of support for their breastbones and ensures that their feet are covered and kept warm as they sleep — preventing frostbite to toes.

How much daylight do turkeys need?

Wyandottes are a good example—they have little interest in the hens until spring approaches. Just as in chickens, turkeys need about 14 hours of daylight. It is best to add artificial light to the beginning of the day rather than the end, to ensure that the turkeys can see to roost.

Why do turkeys run down in winter?

If your turkeys seem a bit lethargic or rundown during winter, they may simply need a boost to their diets. Old timers used to give the turkeys some meat at such times. In fact, some old timers would butcher a hog and give the turkeys the whole carcass.

What color are turkeys?

When you venture into keeping turkeys, you will discover a large range of beautiful colors to be found in turkey breeds — red, white, bronze, blue, ...

Do turkeys drink water?

Unlike mammals that have sweat glands, turkeys are designed to use the breath to cool the bird during hot periods by giving off moisture. Turkeys are large birds and so need a fair amount to drink just to digest their food as well. Buckets can be used as waterers in areas that freeze.