This is actually a turkey question, but I believe this is the best place to ask.
I have struggled with hatching turkey poults this year, having to assist with nearly every one because the babies are able to pip, but then can't make any headway through the shell and outer membrane. The shells are very hard and the membrane is thick and leathery; it's tough for me to even breakthrough sometimes. This condition has persisted regardless of humidity ( I began at 80% and have made incremental adjustments into the high 50's. I am now running a hatch humidity of 72-75%).
I poults are very strong and vigorous once hatched, so I don't think it's an issue with bad stock. I know turkey farms can't have these kinds of problems, so I've been brainstorming on what the differences could be. My birds free-range with daily supplemental feed. Here's where I think I may have a difference. My turkeys eat right along with my laying chicken hens, 16% layer pellets from the Co-op. Is it possible that the layer pellet has more calcium then a standard turkey or game bird feed and this is creating a thicker shell and membrane?
Our co-op doesn't offer a turkey feed, so I don't know how to compare. Does anyone know the calcium content in commercial turkey feed vs. layer pellets? Any other ideas?
I have struggled with hatching turkey poults this year, having to assist with nearly every one because the babies are able to pip, but then can't make any headway through the shell and outer membrane. The shells are very hard and the membrane is thick and leathery; it's tough for me to even breakthrough sometimes. This condition has persisted regardless of humidity ( I began at 80% and have made incremental adjustments into the high 50's. I am now running a hatch humidity of 72-75%).
I poults are very strong and vigorous once hatched, so I don't think it's an issue with bad stock. I know turkey farms can't have these kinds of problems, so I've been brainstorming on what the differences could be. My birds free-range with daily supplemental feed. Here's where I think I may have a difference. My turkeys eat right along with my laying chicken hens, 16% layer pellets from the Co-op. Is it possible that the layer pellet has more calcium then a standard turkey or game bird feed and this is creating a thicker shell and membrane?
Our co-op doesn't offer a turkey feed, so I don't know how to compare. Does anyone know the calcium content in commercial turkey feed vs. layer pellets? Any other ideas?
