Feed change with turkey poults

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CrxyChickLdy

CrxyChickLdy

In the Brooder
Jan 8, 2016
16
1
39
Montana
I let my daughter twist my rubber arm a few weeks ago while at the feed store and we ended up going home with two 3 day old turkey poults. I had just recently moved the 18 chicks out of my sewing room and into the coop outside so had to reset up the brooder again for these VERY loud mouthed babies. Murdoch's sent me home with a bag of Purina Flock Raiser that was 20% protein, so I've been supplementing them with a scrambled egg or two per day until I could get to the feed store that had the turkey starter. Last Saturday the feed store finally had my Payback turkey starter in (28% protein) and I've got them switched over to it - they've been eating like crazy on it! However - this morning I realized that their poop is now really loose, dark and stinky. Has anyone else been through this and do you know if it will pass as they adjust or should I move them back to the Flock Raiser with the lower protein? Oh - and I also realized after I got home that the Payback turkey starter is medicated and I don't believe the Flock Raiser was - would that make this difference too? Thanks in advance for any advice!!
 
CrxyChickLdy said:
I let my daughter twist my rubber arm a few weeks ago while at the feed store and we ended up going home with two 3 day old turkey poults.  I had just recently moved the 18 chicks out of my sewing room and into the coop outside so had to reset up the brooder again for these VERY loud mouthed babies.  Murdoch's sent me home with a bag of Purina Flock Raiser that was 20% protein, so I've been supplementing them with a scrambled egg or two per day until I could get to the feed store that had the turkey starter.  Last Saturday the feed store finally had my Payback turkey starter in (28% protein) and I've got them switched over to it - they've been eating like crazy on it!  However - this  morning I realized that their poop is now really loose, dark and stinky.  Has anyone else been through this and do you know if it will pass as they adjust or should I move them back to the Flock Raiser with the lower protein?  Oh - and I also realized after I got home that the Payback turkey starter is medicated and I don't believe the Flock Raiser was - would that make this difference too?  Thanks in advance for any advice!! 
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One reason that their "poop" may be smellier is because of the higher protein in it. They really do need the higher protein for proper development. The medication in the feed is most likely amprolium which combats coccidiosis. It is not harmful to the poults. They should do fine on their new diet.

Good luck.
 
I personally raise my poults on a non medicated chick starter. I've raised several batches on it. They grow fine and I can't see there's a difference in the end. I do know that a higher protein feed is recommended during the first 4 weeks than you are supposed to lower the protein down. I wouldn't use an all flock to start them, but I would switch them to it after a few months.

I had found game bird too rich for my poults and they grew too quickly and I had some leg problems. Now on chick starter they grow slower and more even. I am not raising them for meat and I don't need quick growth.
 
Thank you both for the feedback. I was concerned because I had heard that a switch in food could cause some major problems. These birds are for my daughters 4-H project so I want to do things right. I've never raised turkeys before and am learning as we go.
 
With any food changes there should be a mixing of the two kinds to lessen any digestive troubles. I think you will have fun with them, they are entertaining.
 

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