Anyone feed their turkeys barley fodder?

[janurism]

Hi all, frequent voyer on this site, infrequent poster. I have been successfully raising chickens on the barley fodder that I grow for them for quite some time now, but am now getting into turkeys. I'm wondering because of the higher protein requirements of turkeys, if anyone has had any luck with foddering them, or if I would still need to supplement with a higher protein additive. The chickens are doing very well with just the fodder and a little oyster shell, but it's also the perfect protein level for them. My turkeys are still too small right now, but are growing quickly! Any info would be great!

 

[Kellykidz]

I feed my turkeys barley and wheat fodder. They love it. They have access to turkey food too but rarely eat it. I am new to turkeys and only had them since February. One of the hens is sitting on 18 or so eggs right now so I think fodder is great for them.

 

[janurism]

Wow, that's great to hear! I know my chickens are doing great on it, kicking out eggs like clockwork.. Do you give any extra supplements, or just leave the turkey feed out? I love the fodder, helps keep my animals healthy and my costs down. Do you also leave out oyster shell for the turkeys? I appreciate the info!

 

[Kellykidz]

Wow, that's great to hear! I know my chickens are doing great on it, kicking out eggs like clockwork.. Do you give any extra supplements, or just leave the turkey feed out? I love the fodder, helps keep my animals healthy and my costs down. Do you also leave out oyster shell for the turkeys? I appreciate the info!

They free range during the day mostly..... except for the broody one. I do not know what oyster shell is.

 

[janurism]

Just out of curiousity, how old were they when you started feeding them the barley? I started giving little clumps to them at about 3 weeks, but still mainly their starter mix.. by the time my chickens are about 7 weeks old, they are pretty much only on the barley, can you do that that early with the turkeys, or should I wait a bit longer?

 

[Kellykidz]

Just out of curiousity, how old were they when you started feeding them the barley? I started giving little clumps to them at about 3 weeks, but still mainly their starter mix.. by the time my chickens are about 7 weeks old, they are pretty much only on the barley, can you do that that early with the turkeys, or should I wait a bit longer?

Mine were adults when we got them. I have no idea how early you can start them on fodder.