Mixing Feed (PICS ADDED)

[KOTurkeyRanch]

Over the summer i let my turkeys free range from sun up to sun down so i only feed them chicken scratch but now the snow covers everything so i have a few questions.

The Chicken scratch is 9% protein so i was wondering if i could get a higher protein feed and a layer crumble and mix it in with that?

P.S. I hatched out pouts May 6th but i sold everyone except one (hen). The hen is normal size but still has alot of baby feathers she has a nice fan but not much else. After the started crumble ran out i let her free range and gave her grain and corn at night. Was she malnourished? Her size is normal but her feathers arent her adult feathers...

 

[Olive Hill]

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Why all the mixing? Just get a good feed and stick with it.

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Can you post a picture?

 

[KOTurkeyRanch]

If i mix in the scratch i wont burn through as fast, ill work on getting a pic

 

[Olive Hill]

Scratch is almost always more expensive than straight feed. I can all but guarantee you that you will not come out ahead nearly as much as you think you will with that plan.

At any rate, if you're worried about "burning through" the feed perhaps you need to cutback on the number of birds you're keeping? They're not eating it needlessly. They're using it to maintain basic biological functions, keep warm, fuel their bodies, make meat, lay eggs, etc. Cost is a consideration for everyone, we all have limited resources. If your birds are using too much of your's the answer however, is not to compromise the quality of their feed.

If you're not ready to go to that extent, perhaps you could at least analyze your costs and make sure you are not wasting. Buy feed in bulk, make sure there are no opportunities for pests to eat your feed, etc.

 

[KOTurkeyRanch]

Good quality turkey feed goes for 12 bucks around here while scratch is 6 bucks at the local feed mill. I only have 4 birds but plan on getting 4 more. Its not the cost its just maximizing efficiency.

 

[KOTurkeyRanch]

 

[Olive Hill]

Cutting the nutritional content of your turkey's feed will in no way make them more efficient. You cannot compare just straight prices, you need to take into consideration what you're getting for the price.

 

[vebyrd36]

I have found using layen or flock raiser is better. I do give a mix of corn/oats/wheat/milo in a hanging feeder once weekly. I also keep alfalfa out all the time.

 

[KOTurkeyRanch]

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Im not cutting there nutrition and not making them more efficient. If i got 21% protein and 9% scratch mixed in they would like it better because theyre nuts for scratch and still getting very good nutrition. I also let them snack on vegetables, fruits, and scrap deer meat. Not cutting nutrition whatsoever. I even said in my post below that its not cost, its maximizing efficiency, meaning they will get excellent nutrition and also love the taste.