Getting Back into Turkeys Apparently... (Blue Slate Turkeys)

[ColtHandorf]

So a wonderful friend of mine brought me two Blue Slate Turkey poults last night. Thankfully, I already had a brooder set up for some Orpington chicks so I got the two little guys settled into the brooder. It has been ages since I've had turkeys. Previously I raised Bourbon Reds, Black Spanish, Royal Palms, and Eastern Wild Turkeys, but it's been fifteen years since I've had any. They are only a few days old and came from a breeder in Florida. They are both fairly light, but I don't have any experience with them. Is it fairly easy to identify whether they are Blue or Self Blue (which is like Splash in chickens, right?)? They definitely aren't Black. lol

Un-medicated chick starter is all I had on hand. If I remember correctly it's okay for them to eat, but the protein is low, right? I hate to buy a bag of gamebird starter for two wee turkeys. But they are terribly cute.

Any advice on the breed is welcome. I'll get some pictures of the little ones when I'm home from work.

 

[R2elk]

Is it fairly easy to identify whether they are Blue or Self Blue

At a very early age, Self Blue and Blue Slate are easy for me to identify. Self Blue are much lighter, in some cases so much so that can even have a yellowish cast to them.
Self Blue

Blue Slate

Un-medicated chick starter is all I had on hand. If I remember correctly it's okay for them to eat, but the protein is low, right? I hate to buy a bag of gamebird starter for two wee turkeys. But they are terribly cute.

Chick starter is not only too low in protein but is also too low in lysine, methionine and niacin. The low levels of niacin and thiamine can lead to perosis.

If you search online you can purchase a turkey or gamebird starter without having to buy a 50 lb. sack. Give your new poults their best chance at success by providing them with proper nutrition.

 

[ColtHandorf]

Thank you! I’ll pick up some tomorrow after work for them.

Here they are and judging by your pictures I’d say they are Blue Slate. Would you agree?

 

[R2elk]

Thank you! I’ll pick up some tomorrow after work for them.

Here they are and judging by your pictures I’d say they are Blue Slate. Would you agree?

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They do look like Blue Slates.

 

[Bo Garrett]

They are slates. Bred together they will produce black, slate and self.