Feeding Chickens & Turkeys Together

[OregonJohn]

Hi,
I have a nice group of 11 chickens (Buffs, Barred Rocks, and Australorps) that are all around 12 weeks. I recently added 2 Bronze turkey chicks about 7 weeks old to the flock. My problem is feed-related. The chicks are on Payback Chick Developer, which is 16% protein, and I understand turkeys need about 22-24%. I don't really want to keep them separate, and I'm sure many of you have had similar situations. How did you handle this problem? Thanks for any help you can provide. Oh, and one other question: These turkeys can FLY! My chicken yard has no roof or caged top-- do turkeys often take off, never to return? If so, I'll have to clip their wings. Thanks again...

 

[austinbndr28]

Hi,
I have a nice group of 11 chickens (Buffs, Barred Rocks, and Australorps) that are all around 12 weeks. I recently added 2 Bronze turkey chicks about 7 weeks old to the flock. My problem is feed-related. The chicks are on Payback Chick Developer, which is 16% protein, and I understand turkeys need about 22-24%. I don't really want to keep them separate, and I'm sure many of you have had similar situations. How did you handle this problem? Thanks for any help you can provide. Oh, and one other question: These turkeys can FLY! My chicken yard has no roof or caged top-- do turkeys often take off, never to return? If so, I'll have to clip their wings. Thanks again...

Flock raiser from tractor supply the green bag of crumble feed. I would clip the turkeys wings just to stay on the safe side.

 

[kywest]

Probably figured it our by now, but definitely clip those wings! If they are BBB they should quickly grow too large to fly, but if they are heritage birds, watch carefully for molting and wing feather growth - those babies like to fly a lot the first year! I had to severely clip both wings to keep mine homebound, and still periodically had to play "chase the turkeys around the neighborhood"! They are much more sedentary their second summer ;-)

 

[bustedchicks]

From what I read turkeys need higher percentage. I have observed that they eat less at a time with the 28% compared to the 22% or less.

Have tried a few different methods of feeding turkeys separated from chickens. I cage them in the corner and stand guard because the chickens jump over the piece of divider if I am not there.

The turkeys are a venture between a few friends and split the cost of feed. The chickens, ducks and 2 bigger turkeys are all mine and have to foot that bill myself. If it weren't that situation I would feed them all the 20-22%. I read it can give better eggs and its the cheapest out of the selection available around here.

 

[Hen Power]

OK, I just talked to my county extension agent about feeding turkeys and chickens together. Here's the scoop. I was told that turkeys need the 22% protein for their bones and layer feed has calcium and other ingredients for eggs. Because my birds are over a year old I was advised to mix 3/4 meat bird for the turkeys to 1/4 layer feed for the chickens. Case solved.

Also, my agent told me to add electrolytes (gatorade) to the bird's water at about 1/4 of their water. She said it gives the layers a boost. She told me to add it to the chick's water at 1/2 of the water. She said Gatorade has minerals from the salt and vitamin c. Here's the recipe I'm going to use:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• water

This recipe makes a quart, so to make more or less just do your arithmetic. I've seen coconut water suggested because it has so many goodies in it, but am told it's expensive. I've also seen recipes where people have added potassium and magnesium to their recipes. But I haven't asked my extension agent about those two ingredients.