Can I feed BB Turkeys chicken grower feed at 8 weeks and beyond?

[ForFlocksSake]

I am getting my poults this week and purchased some game bird starter feed for their first 8 weeks. That is 30% protein. I noticed that most feed for after 8 weeks is around 18-20% protein. I have some starter/grower chicken feed from Kalmbach that is 20% protein crumbles and Im wondering if I can use that for the poults when they transition off the 30%. Is there a big difference between chicken feed and all flock for raising BB for meat?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I switch to a chick starter after 6-8 weeks, than an all flock as soon as they can eat the pellet. I have heritage, so I'm not sure if it's different for meat birds. It might be better to feed a meat bird ration.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

I switch to a chick starter after 6-8 weeks, than an all flock as soon as they can eat the pellet. I have heritage, so I'm not sure if it's different for meat birds. It might be better to feed a meat bird ration.

are they able to eat crumbles when they're older?

 

[R2elk]

I am getting my poults this week and purchased some game bird starter feed for their first 8 weeks. That is 30% protein. I noticed that most feed for after 8 weeks is around 18-20% protein. I have some starter/grower chicken feed from Kalmbach that is 20% protein crumbles and Im wondering if I can use that for the poults when they transition off the 30%. Is there a big difference between chicken feed and all flock for raising BB for meat?

You can but I wouldn't. I would be more inclined to go with a meat bird feed. The reason isn't the protein level but more importantly are the lysine, methionine and niacin levels.

The big difference in chicken feed and game bird feed are the lysine, methionine and niacin levels that are higher for game birds and turkeys.

Whatever you do, do not feed the poults layer feed. The high levels of calcium that laying hens need is harmful to males and young ones.

 

[R2elk]

are they able to eat crumbles when they're older?

They can eat crumbles when they're older. Most people including me, feed pellets because there is less waste.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

You can but I wouldn't. I would be more inclined to go with a meat bird feed. The reason isn't the protein level but more importantly are the lysine, methionine and niacin levels.

The big difference in chicken feed and game bird feed are the lysine, methionine and niacin levels that are higher for game birds and turkeys.

Whatever you do, do not feed the poults layer feed. The high levels of calcium that laying hens need is harmful to males and young ones.

Forgive me but I’m super confused about how to feed these things

So go start I got purina gamebird starter. I’m supposed to feed that from 0-8 weeks. Then what comes next? I see all the optimal proteins and nutrients but nothing online or in tractor supply that matches this. Can you (or anyone) offer some brands or label names of what to use to keep them healthy and growing for harvest at 18-20 weeks?

 

[R2elk]

Forgive me but I’m super confused about how to feed these things

So go start I got purina gamebird starter. I’m supposed to feed that from 0-8 weeks. Then what comes next? I see all the optimal proteins and nutrients but nothing online or in tractor supply that matches this. Can you (or anyone) offer some brands or label names of what to use to keep them healthy and growing for harvest at 18-20 weeks?

After the first 6 to 8 weeks on high protein starter the typical grower for turkeys is 24% protein and the lysine and methionine will also be proportionally lower than the starter. The niacin content is unfortunately not required to be on the feed bag label and has to be learned by contacting the feed manufacturer.

Since they are broad breasted, it is okay to slow their growth by using a meat bird feed as the grower feed which does have the proper lysine and methionine levels proportionate to the amount of protein that is in the feed.

If TSC is your local source, the meat bird feed they offer should be fine.