Feeding new poults--do they need 'Brooder Boost'?

[Kansaseq]

Someone just told me (friend of a friend type deal) that if you don't give turkey poults this stuff, they will 'go down'? I've only ever had 1 turkey before and he was a BBW who had to be euthanized (he was a pet-couldn't eat him!) for a joint infection and problems walking when he was a few months old. I've got 4 developing BS eggs in the bator, and want to be prepared. Any help appreciated.
Ps I know they need more protein than chick starter provides. Beyond that, I don't know!
Thanks

 

[ziggywiggy]

I feed mine chick starter and they do fine. That's the only thing available to me. I also boil them eggs and they love little pieces of lettuce.

 

[longranger]

Putting electrolytes, apple cider vinegar and a little brown sugar in their water is very helpfull for the first day or two, particularly for shipped poult. For home hatched poults I go with just the apple cider vinegar. That in combination with high protein gamebird or turkey starter, at least 26% and a nice warm brooder losses should be minimal. Make sure to either dip their beaks in the water to get them started or put a couple of newly hatched chicks with them for a day or two.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

We feed ours 28% medicated game bird starter and clean fresh water. The leg problems your friend had come from them being BBW's. They are the cornish cross of turkeys and were developed for max weight gain in the shortest time period. Their legs can't support the weight.

Steve

 

[Kansaseq]

Thank you so much for your input, everyone! If I want to leave them in with the chicks for while, is that ok for the chicks?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Yes that is fine

Steve