Dead/dying young turkeys

[crtrlovr]

Quote:
I had heard something similar from someone who raised many, many geese. They said to NEVER feed bread to geese because of that very issue. I'm wondering if it may be the same way with turkeys... you turkey experts want to weigh in on this one?

 

[ChickenChaser]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss
That is so sad to hear.

Is it true that chicken poo can harm the turkeys? How or why?

I put my three young turkeys in with 12 Rhode Island Reds.
Could this be hasardous for my turkeys?

 

[dangerouschicken]

Here are some easy rules:

#1 Keep chickens and turkeys seperate. Chickens can carry diseases that are deadly to turkeys. Better safe than sorry.

#2 Only feed turkeys TWO things: turkey feed and greens. The greens can consist of dandilion leaves, tender grasses, beet tops, swiss chard, kale, and lettuces. Turkeys need lots of protein, so feeding them things like bread is a really bad idea. Greens are natural to a turkey's diet.

#3 Provide plenty of shade and fresh water daily. Turkeys overheat easily, so giving them access to these things is crucial.

#4 Grit is good. Feeding them only turkey feed in the brooder is fine, but if you give them ANYTHING else, they need to also have grit.

#5 Always have more than one turkey. They are social birds, and like to have turkey friends. Without friends, they get very mopey and sad.

Hope that helps. Sorry about your friend's loss.

 

[chickenannie]

Depending on how much toast he gave them, yes, that could have made them ill. Not necessarily the water-expansion theory, but just because it was too unusual for their digestive systems. You never said what age they were?

In general, it's usually not great to give lots of snacks to poultry -- a tidbit here or there is fine. It's tempting to find "free food" like that, but I think its better suited to pigs and not turkeys unless in very small amounts.

 

[chickenzoo]

I lost a peachick by giving it a little pieace of bread, it was fine before, dead an hour later. I have turkeys free ranging with chickens and peafowl,but they have seperate houses and pens. Blackhead is what people worry about turkeys & peafowl getting from chickens, chickens can carry it but not get sick themselves.

 

[wilds of pa]

Also be careful with grass clippings, as i a lot of folks do give them to there birds,,you wanna make sure the grass clippings aren't to long or you can end up with crop problems in your birds..just wanted to share that also. You want fine mulched grass if you do give them to the birds..


Charlie

 

[Must Be Losing It]

Interesting on the grass clippings as well. I'll be sure to tell him that.

 

[Run-A-Muck Ranch]

I have turkeys(2 different breeds), ducks, peacocks, geese(2 different breeds), guinneas, and many different breeds of chickens...
I give our birds bread from day 1. They have never died from the bread. As soon as they see me coming with the bread bag they come running and calling, waiting for their treats. Now I am not saying it isn't possible, but it hasn't happened here...
My grandpa has always called white bread "Rat Poision". Because of the bread exspanding after the rats eat it and then drink water. To this day he will NOT eat any white bread...
We have turkey babies(2 1/2 months old) in with chickens (2 1/2 months old). When older the chickens will end up in the older chicken pens, but for right now they are with the turkeys. I was told while they are little they are fine to run together.
We have friends that run there turkeys with there chickens from day one and have never had a problem with any black head or anything like that. Their turkeys are now 5 years old...

 

[Azure]

Quote:
Yep bread can cause problems! It clogs the gut, but too much salt and then the toast soaking up water is a more likely culprit. But look at things like heat exhaustion/dehydration too.
How sad though, so sorry xx

 

[RuffledFeatherz]

I raise Bourbon Reds have fed adults store bought various bread products with absolutely no issues(untoasted). Currently have chicks weeks old to few months old and they absolutely love and go nuts for the home made bread I feed them. While fresh and moist its crumbled and they will trample each other to get to me when distributing. Have to admit they are tasty loafs even by human standards! Their diet is supplemented with Vitamin and electrolyte powder that is added to the water and fed high protein game starter feed as well. The Adults can be fed dry cat food in rations as a great supplement for a high protein additive also. And if you really want to spoil them, the Adult hens, especially during egg cycle season, love fresh picked(by hand of course!)purple clover green leaves if readily available.