Feeding

[Paco]

Can you walk me trought the stages of turkeys and the different feed you'll need to feed them. Oh yeah I was thinking about royal palms or bourbon reds anyone have some pros or cons on these breeds ?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

We start with a 28% medicated game bird starter for about the first 3 months, then we go to a 20% medicated start n grow until 5 or 6 months. After that they go out with the rest of the birds to a 20% layer feed.

We raise both Royal Palms and Bourbon Reds. If you are looking for a meat type bird go with the Bourbon. The Palms are the only heritage variety that hasn't been bred for meat in the past so you don't get as much meat per bird. Also they have shallow breast bone so they are really lacking in breast meat. The Bourbons are very curious where Palms tend to keep their distance. Young Palms can be fence jumpers until they get some weight on them.

Steve

 

[OmaBird]

I have been raising turkeys for 10 years now. When I first started with heritage turkeys all the information said to feed them 28-30% protein all of there life. Simular to this 2004 article from ALBA.

Heritage turkeys require a high protein diet throughout their growth and development. A free choice ration containing 28% protein, in addition to daily access to quality forage is recommended.

I have done it this way with great results. It seems to work best for my breeders too. Anytime I reduce the protein they do not lay as well for me. This quote is from http://heritageturkeyfoundation.org/resources/albc_2004_heritage_turkey_letter.htm

For some reason the ALBA now has changed the guidlines. I do notice it talks about feeding and pasture. I don't have pasture where I live. I don't like the new way and see no reason to change what works for me. Try both and see what works for you. http://albc-usa.org/EducationalResources/turkeys.html

Both the Palm and BR are nice. BR are better for meat. Palms are nicer to look at but can be breed much bigger than the standard if you want a pretty bird to eat.​

 

[trimpy]

I have 4 blue slates that I have been feeding 30% to, but they are only 2wks old.

BR's are on my list for next year when I can handle 15 at a time.

Purina Mills has a dealer locator on their website if you are having a hard time (like i was) finding something that high.

 

[Paco]

Ok I'll take a look at that purina mills website . And I'm thinking more towards the royal palms cause their littler and easier for me to start with and I won't be eating them they'll just be lawn ordaments .

 

[OmaBird]

And I'm thinking more towards the royal palms cause their littler and easier for me to start with and I won't be eating them they'll just be lawn ordaments .

They are very pretty. Some breeders like Sandhill have been breeding them very big which is what I like. My blue palm Tom is over 30 lbs. heritage turkeys grow very slow so you don't have to worry if they get big. It will be a long time.

 

[Paco]

How old is that tom in the picture?

 

[OmaBird]

About 28 months.