Problems with turkeys

[BeardedChick]

Hi,

They are not at all big, I think. They are not fat either.

I just wanted to be sure you know I wasn't implying they are fat in my previous post... I have read in several places that the heavy breeds of turkeys are more prone to health problems because they have to grow so fast and their bodies are much heavier than a heritage breed would be at the same age (like comparing a great dane to a chihuahua).

Of course, counter to what everyone else says- the google book I referenced said that they need reduced protein and that longer periods of darkness may help. I'm not sure if that slows down their eating or does something in the cortex of their brain to slow down the growth, but I thought that was interesting.

I hope you don't give up on turkeys, maybe next time try a heritage breed and see how it goes. I can imagine how frustrating this experience is for you.​

 

[L&Schickens]

You guys are so wonderful. Thank you so much!
I will not give up on them yet, but I hope they can suport their own bodies when they do finally get to be adult birds. I will try heirloom birds next time, if I can afford them that is.

Growing your own food is so very hard! I am not a real farmer. There are no farmers in my family, so I am "winging it" on my own here. I am so glad I found this forum.

Here are some pictures of my babies. They look like crippled up old men to me.

 

[BeardedChick]

Poor little guys. I'd be upset, too.

This is on the Ideal website about the broadbreasted turkey breeds:

They have been intently bred to have wide breasts, rapid growth rate and superior feed conversion. Poults must be fed high protein rations, either Turkey Starter or Game Bird Starter, in order for the bone structure to properly develop, which is necessary to prevent leg weakness and deformities.​

 

[L&Schickens]

I wish I had seen this BEFORE I listened to the "Feed Store Know it alls"

I feel so bad about my turkeys.

 

[Red Tie]

I use the Purina Turkey starter for eight weeks and then move to the Purina Turkey finisher. I have all Broad Breasted Turkeys, white and bronze. No trouble with legs or growth. Ready to eat in about 12 weeks!
I do use the vitamin/electrolyte suppliment in all my babies water as well. Seems to help with the shock of shipping and the early growth of the little guys.

Hang in there, farming is hard work!

Jane

 

[BeardedChick]

Jane, thanks for posting that. I am feeding mine Purina turkey starter and wondered why it hadn't been recommended by anyone. It should be the ideal feed.

L&S,

don't be too hard on yourself. You've received bad advice from your feed store and you're trying to raise a breed that is susceptible to growth problems. You just have to go forward from here and do what you think is best. There are posts on this board every day about how hard it is for conscientious, caring people to hatch and raise poultry and keep them alive and healthy.

 

[dangerouschicken]

Is Flockraiser enough? Mine don't have problems yet, but I'm wondering if I should switch to Gamebird feed since I can't find Turkey starter/grower out here.

 

[BeardedChick]

DangerChik,

I googled it and it says this about FlockRaiser (which I am using for my chickens who are 12 weeks):

"A 20%-protein nutrient-rich ration that provides top starting, growing and finishing nutrition for a mixed flock of chickens, ducks and geese from hatch until laying age (18-20 weeks) and for turkeys from 8-10 weeks until laying age of 18-20 weeks. "

and it says:

"For free-range and confined turkeys, first feed Purina Mills

Game Bird Chow

Startena

as the sole ration from hatch until 8-10 weeks old. Then feed them Purina Mills

Flock Raiser

SunFresh

Recipe until laying age (18-20 weeks). "

http://poultry.purinamills.com/OURPRODUCTS/Products/FlockRaiser/default.aspx

 

[Red Tie]

The turkey starter and the turkey finisher is listed as a "show chow" on the Purina website. It is very high in protein, like 30%. I couldn't find it under the regular feed list but under show chow. I had to special order it from my feed store, just like the "show chow" broiler feed that I use. Worth it though!

Jane

 

[dangerouschicken]

OH MY GOD! More bad advice from the feed store! They told me Flockraiser!

I am so switching to Game Bird right now! I have some with the guineas down in the basement brooder.

Edited to add: Thank you for the info. I feel so stupid for trusting them and not researching this more myself