Keeping a Turkey with Chickens

[Misfit Farm]

So today I was surfing Craigslist (I need to stay off of there

). I came a cross an ad for a Turkey hen that needed a home. She was rescued from being Thanksgiving dinner and the girl that rescued her lived in town. I told her that I could take her if she would fit through the doors of my hen chickens house. So she has come home with me. My question is, I have 7 adult hens, 2 adult roosters, 4 2 month old pullets and now this 1 year old Turkey hen - All are housed together. What should I be feeding? Before I had the pullets and the Turkey I fed Layena, currently I am feeding non medicated Start and Grow due to the pullets. Are these ok for a Turkey to eat? Thanks.

Jen

 

[chicmom]

That'll work nicely for the turkey because turkeys generally need more protein than chickens do. The start and grow usually has more protein than a layer feed. Good luck with the turkey.

 

[JulieNKC]

I have one turkey and three ducks in with my chickens, I usually feed all flock to mine. What breed of turkey is she?

 

[farmdude]

That's awesome that this girl rescued the turkey and you gave it a home. I would have done the same thing. I'm a Craig's List addict myself and have saved a few things off there too. I wish I could save them all. Good luck!

 

[Grog]

It will be fine I have a Tom and a hen in with my birds and I feed a layer pellet to all.

 

[moetrout]

I had a standard bronze tom in with 5 hens and a rooster. I fed them Purina Flock raiser which does not have added calcuium. I then free fed oyster shell for calcium. The turkey was invited to dinner, but I still feed my flock this way. The rooster then does not get extra calcium he does not need that would be in regular layer formulated feed.

 

[Ducks and Banny hens]

I suggest crack corn. The world's most universal winter ration!

 

[kfacres]

Quote:
the most universal, poor choice... cracked corn doens't have enough of anything in it, except energy to make it worthwhile to purchase....

I'd cut my losses, and butcher the turkey, it will save you TONS on feed bill, and be enjoyable treat for the holidays...

 

[mr.hutch23]

I've read that turkeys are can be carriers of a disease called "black head" that is fatal to chickens and that turkeys shouldn't be kept with chickens. I think that was in Damerows chicken book but I'm not sure.

 

[WVchick71]

I use to have a Turkey in with my chickens and they all ate out of the same feeder. She did great! Good Luck!