North Carolina

[nursebecky99]

Okay guys, need to jump in and ask some feed questions...

My 4 teenage chickens (13wks old) have just about finished our first 50lb bag of feed (its been about 8 wks since I got them). They forage in the run, and get tons of treats (probably too much, but so fun to hand feed and watch them with their goodies). Does this sound like the right amount of food, too little? Also, I got a second bag, its same medicated chick starter/grower from Southern States,. is this appropriate feed until they begin laying?

 

[BHep]

Okay guys, need to jump in and ask some feed questions...

My 4 teenage chickens (13wks old) have just about finished our first 50lb bag of feed (its been about 8 wks since I got them). They forage in the run, and get tons of treats (probably too much, but so fun to hand feed and watch them with their goodies). Does this sound like the right amount of food, too little? Also, I got a second bag, its same medicated chick starter/grower from Southern States,. is this appropriate feed until they begin laying?

http://www.nutrenaworld.com/knowledge-center/poultry/how-much-does-a-chicken-eat/index.jsp




Type of Bird Feeding period Total amount of feed
Layer chicks First 10 weeks 9-10 lbs per bird

 

[chris4kdz]

I have ? for someone out there. I asked this on the turkey page but no hits

. Maybe because they don't know. I know about chickens I had a few in my time. We are trying to hatch turkey eggs. My ? is there any difference in raising turkeys and chickens. I just want to have everything ready for them if they hatch.

 

[crazyhen]

I wish I could help you with the turkeys. I know there are differences. I know the diseases are different too. You have to feed a different feed. I wish I could help more. I have not raised them. Maybe if you go on the turkey forum and type in raising turkeys in the search feature you could get something.

 

[chris4kdz]

Thanks! My mom live in Shallotte. That is the best beach around. I went there my hole life.. She lives in shell point..

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

I have ? for someone out there. I asked this on the turkey page but no hits :/ . Maybe because they don't know. I know about chickens I had a few in my time. We are trying to hatch turkey eggs. My ? is there any difference in raising turkeys and chickens. I just want to have everything ready for them if they hatch.

Turkeys need more protein, but I've done well starting them on chick starter and supplementing. Game bird food is an alternative. They are also stupid. Really. Lovable, but they will literally starve to death for lack of a brain cell to teach them how to eat! I always have some chicks that I can put with them, so the chicks can teach to to eat by example. Other than that, not too much different. They grow fast, and will be flying as soon as they have wing feathers. I keep mine inside until they're bigger than an owl can take easily, because once they decide to roost in the trees it's hard to get them down. Mine have always been heritage breeds, mind. I can't speak for the double-breasted. On the other hand, they free-range nicely and don't take off. They know where the feed and water comes from. I've had two hens try to nest outside the property fence. Otherwise, they stay here.

I assume that you already know that the incubation period is different. I almost didn't mention it, but them figured it wouldn't hurt. What if you didn't know?

 

[chris4kdz]

Thank you. I heard people getting them and cant raise them they die. I just didn't want that to happen. I will have chicks about two weeks old when they hatch do you think they will be to old for them. Also they are bronze turkeys. Thank you so much....

I also liked that link you had for the food amounts. But mine are spoiled so if anything my are too fat LOL. We always joke and say they have the good life. Thanks again

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Thank you. I heard people getting them and cant raise them they die. I just didn't want that to happen. I will have chicks about two weeks old when they hatch do you think they will be to old for them. Also they are bronze turkeys. Thank you so much....  I also liked that link you had for the food amounts. But mine are spoiled so if anything my are too fat LOL.  We always joke and say they have the good life. Thanks again

They do die, but a lot of that is simple starving to death from not learning how to eat! Two week old chicks are probably going to be too big. Can you pop a chicken egg or three in the incubator with the turkeys, but a week later?

The link was from Beth. She got lots of good info out there.

 

[scottcaddy]

NH

X 100..
I am just trying to be helpful. You wonder about egg production and now your birds are straying. Then you make mention of feeding 50 lbs every 2 months. it then occurs to me that may be your problem.
I am just sending you a link with info on proper feeding. You need to leave free feed. I know I have a lot more birds then you, I am proud to say I am within the 100 mark.. I think 110 or something. I feed 50 lbs of feed a DAY !!!!
Growing birds eat twice as much as adults.. IMO. Like a pack of hungry teenagers. (which in fact they are LOL )

Please don't be upset at me... or anyone for that matter. We are all here to support one another..teach one ot

Do You Really mean to say that we have MORE birds than You?

How did that happen?

Scott (who buys more then several hundred lbs. of feed a week!)

 

[Matt A NC]

When I raised turkeys I always started out by dyeing a baggie of food green and putting on their regular feed for the first few days. This got them eating well and I never lost a single poult. I used Game bird starter that is 30% protein. They grew very well.

**Warning**
Once they get used to eating out of a specific feeder in a specific place, DO NOT CHANGE FEEDERS or MOVE IT. At least not until they are old enough to grow some sense. I did almost kill a group like that. They suddenly stopped eating. Took me 2 days to realize I had switched feeders when I had washed everything.

Matt