Reducing protein and limiting rations to slow growth rates?

[Noellereagan]

So I have eight turkey poults. They are pets. They are broad breasted bronze. I know they aren’t intended for pets -and are meat birds; and keeping one (or 8) as a pet is setting yourself up for an early loss to heart attack or legs/ knees giving out because of the rapid and dramatic growth rates I know they’re meant to eat but mine aren’t going to be -and that’s the end of that. They’re imprinted and I’m attached. It’s just NOT an option. Please don’t tell me to butcher them. So, know I’m already aware of all of that. I’m not asking about that.

What I WOULD like some help or advice with -

My turkey poults are now six weeks. And BIG boys and girls. I have them on a gamebird starter with 28% protein. In their daily water they get electrolytes, probiotic, B complex. They’re growing so fast. If I cut them back to a 16% now -at six weeks- and cutting their rations to a.m. and p.m. feeding, will they be malnourished? I had them on an 18% to start and ended up with one with perosis. So I switched to this regimens. And if they’ll be okay this way, how much do they get each feeding? And will it slow growth rates? And will that increase my odds of longer life spans and less health problems as pets?

Or any other suggestions to aid to a better shot at longevity?

 

[Folly's place]

I'd check on the turkey thread, and with the feed company, and with your state poultry expert, hopefully at the university.
It's hard to buck genetics!
Malnutrition isn't an improvement either, so check with actual experts to find your best plan.
Mary

 

[Noellereagan]

I'd check on the turkey thread, and with the feed company, and with your state poultry expert, hopefully at the university.
It's hard to buck genetics!
Malnutrition isn't an improvement either, so check with actual experts to find your best plan.
Mary

I called our local colleges with ag related programs all to no avail. No one called back. I tried to call the 4h and FFA extensions, same thing. I called around trying to find experts- no luck there either. I’ll try the turkey page. Thanks Mary.
-Nöelle