How many pounds of food does a Turkey raised for meat typically eat?

[CAChicks]

We are planning to raise some White or Bronze Breast meat Turkeys for the first time this year. I am wondering about how many pounds of feed they eat start to finish. I know Toms and Hens might be different but any rough estimate on what this endeavor might cost would be great. We are thinking of doing 4 or 5 to start this year. Any other tips are welcome too!

 

[ashlieneevel]

We are planning to raise some White or Bronze Breast meat Turkeys for the first time this year. I am wondering about how many pounds of feed they eat start to finish. I know Toms and Hens might be different but any rough estimate on what this endeavor might cost would be great. We are thinking of doing 4 or 5 to start this year. Any other tips are welcome too!

I don't have answer for you but i sure am excited to find out what the answer is right along side you

 

[WalnutHill]

According to this article, http://www.localharvest.org/blog/9885/entry/broad_breasted_white_turkeys_are, and this article, http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs...rprising-facts-about-your-thanksgiving-turkey the feed conversion for Broad Breasted White is around 2:1 (2 lb feed for 1 lb body weight) to 2.5:1.

As Broad Breasted Bronze have not been commercially selected for optimal growth for decades, I suspect that they are not quite as efficient, but they are still better performers in this area than heritage birds. I would estimate from my flock (chickens poach the turkey feed so it's not accurate) a FCR of 2.5:1 to 3:1 for BBB from hatchery stock.

My own Broad Breasted Bronzes of previous years dressed out at 17-20 pounds for hens, 24-30 pounds for toms at 18 weeks. The biggest I raised was 42 pounds dressed, he was 28 weeks.