BBW poults going outside - diet impact?

[WIchickens]

So here is the story.

This is our first year raising thanksgiving turkeys. I have 27 that are 8 weeks old. Our plans were that they would have access to a fenced pasture area. So, I bought all of their grower at the feed mill accordingly, assuming they would be getting a lot of vitamins and minerals from the dirt.

Well, we are having trouble getting them to actually go outside! It has been a bit of a debate in our house this summer actually. The barn has some windows about waist hight in there the turkeys are penned up. my husband built them a ramp and swore they would go up it and out the window, and back down another ramp to the grass outside. I didn't think they would.....and I was right!

They really want nothing to do with it, except fly up to the window and perch...and not go in the grass! So, it might take us a couple weeks to figure out a plan B to get them outside access. Meanwhile, should I be concerned about their diet? they feed is 24% protein, corn and soybean meal freshly ground at the feedmill. They seem to be happy and healthy right now, but I am wondering if I should supplement their diet in some way since they aren't digging in the dirt?

Anyone have any ideas for a supplement....even if it is fresh fruit or veggies? Or should I call the feed mill and see what they say?

Darn turkeys, why won't you just go outside???

 

[GitaBooks]

I don't have personal experience with turkeys, but from what I read, Broad Breasted turkeys tend not to enjoy going outside too much, especially since it may be hard for them to get up and down the ramp. You can give them grass clippings, watermelon, squash, apples, pumpkin, millet, berries, chopped greens like dandelion, or scrambled eggs. You could also try adding some vitamins to their food or water.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[ivan3]

Have you considered constructing a lean-to, using side of barn for back wall, in the pasture area? Doesn't have to be anything too fancy - feeder/waterer and low roost - no further off of ground than 20" or so (don't want to stress their legs).

If you had only a few I'd imagine other work-a-rounds might be worth a try, but 27? That's a lot of poop to be shoveling over the next few months.

some ideas on "housing" in chapter 6: http://www.livestockconservancy.org/index.php/resources/internal /turkey-manual

 

[WIchickens]

These are good ideas. I worry about them only having a lean to for housing as we are in Wisconsin and it will get pretty chilly here at night in the next few weeks or so.

I think I am going to call the local grocery store and see if they will give me their old produce so supplement.

The last couple days, I ended up just tossing 6 or so outside and seeing if anyone would follow....and it seems to be working a little. last night I tossed out 6 and by the time it was dark, 10 were out there. But now I am worried about the leg stress as mentioned before. They aren't really walking down the ramp, more like taking a few steps and then jumping.

I will try and take a picture today so you can see my set up and maybe you will have more suggestions!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You can take a long stick and maybe work on herding them up and down the ramp, turkeys are learners, they need to be taught things, my young ones forage in the grass and chase bugs, they have no interest in garden produce at a young age, so don't be surprised if they don't eat any that you offer, once again, you would have to teach them what to eat. You do need to watch the legs from what I read, I have heritage varieties, mine are being taught to go in the adult coop at night, some nights they go in, some I have to herd them in.