First turkey chicks (chicks?)

[BlossomSilkies]

We picked up a couple of turkeys at Rural King the other day, a bronze and a white I think. I have many years of experience with chickens, but these are our first turkeys.

I have both in a brooder with 30 ISA brown pullets. Is it ok for baby turkeys and chicks to be together?

I have chick starter, is that what I should feed the turkeys or do they need something else?

Anything else important I should know? They both seem to be doing well.

 

[ChickenFootFarm]

Baby turkeys need more protein than the chick starter has. Buy the highest protein feed you can find. I feed mine meat bird feed (with some hard boiled egg to give them a boost). There is a gamebird feed that is wonderful but pricey.

 

[BlossomSilkies]

Hmm, then I should separate them from the chicks because I don't think the higher protein is good for them. Thank you for the info.

 

[DeGarmom]

(Baby turkeys are called poults). I mix my own feed now, but in the past we fed them game bird starter. Your local feed store should be able to suggest a good feed for them. Game bird feed is more expensive but local feed mills sometime mix their own, which reduces the cost. Since you are feeding 2 and not 22, that first bag will last a good long time . You could switch to a lower protein feed after they have a good start with that first bag......

 

[BlossomSilkies]

LOL, I knew "chicks" was not right! Poults!

I will pick up something for them today. They will be free range after their time in the brooder is over. What do wild turkeys eat for protein I wonder??

 

[ChickenFootFarm]

bugs!

 

[BlossomSilkies]

Of course! Bugs! Plenty of that around here, and lots and lots of juicy worms!

 

[ChickenFootFarm]

Of course! Bugs! Plenty of that around here, and lots and lots of juicy worms!

They will also find different grasses and weeds that have high protein. I hope you enjoy tour new turkeys, they really are very entertaining.