Turkey feed for chickens of all ages??

[tjb]

I recently bought eggs for incubating from a local man who has a large setup and raises several nice breeds of chicken... He said that he feeds all his flock turkey feed after they complete the Chick Starter. He stated that the protein level is high and he just makes sure that he has free access to oyster shells for his laying hens at all times...

What are thoughts on this??? I have a mixed age flock and one has just started laying in the same pen as my younger pullets...

TIA

 

[R2elk]

I recently bought eggs for incubating from a local man who has a large setup and raises several nice breeds of chicken... He said that he feeds all his flock turkey feed after they complete the Chick Starter. He stated that the protein level is high and he just makes sure that he has free access to oyster shells for his laying hens at all times...

What are thoughts on this??? I have a mixed age flock and one has just started laying in the same pen as my younger pullets...

TIA

The turkey feed will not harm the chickens but it is not necessary. Chickens can tolerate higher levels of protein than turkeys but the excess protein is excreted from the body as waste.

 

[tjb]

The turkey feed will not harm the chickens but it is not necessary. Chickens can tolerate higher levels of protein than turkeys but the excess protein is excreted from the body as waste.

Thanks... I am trying to remedy my issue of different age pullets and their needs. in about 2-3 weeks, I will be adding 5 more younger pullets {8 weeks} to the flock and then have another 11 christmas hatch babies at the end of February. The all flock feed I have found is very pricey.

 

[R2elk]

Thanks... I am trying to remedy my issue of different age pullets and their needs. in about 2-3 weeks, I will be adding 5 more younger pullets {8 weeks} to the flock and then have another 11 christmas hatch babies at the end of February. The all flock feed I have found is very pricey.

In my experience, turkey feed is more expensive than all flock.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I recently bought eggs for incubating from a local man who has a large setup and raises several nice breeds of chicken... He said that he feeds all his flock turkey feed after they complete the Chick Starter. He stated that the protein level is high and he just makes sure that he has free access to oyster shells for his laying hens at all times...

What are thoughts on this??? I have a mixed age flock and one has just started laying in the same pen as my younger pullets...

TIA

Turkey feed that contains how much protein? Too much protein can cause gout and kidney failure. I would NOT feed more than 25% to chickens and probably not even that long term. The turkey feed they have here is 26-30%. It's true the extra protein will be processed by the kidneys (hence possible issues) and then excreted as super smelly waste. And fat hens have a harder time laying. Depending on your breeds, a little extra protein is preferred and even been shown to give better hatch rates in breeding birds, which to me does say better nutrition for my family. Many show breeders also use a "higher" protein feed because feathers are made of 90% protein and the amino acids it contains. So they know it gives them better overall feather growth and showing ability. But they mean higher than the 16% that is in layer. Not double!

If the started you fed is unmedicated and affordable, I would feed that before going with the turkey feed.

My flock does get Purina flock raise 20% protein, because I have mixed ages and genders. It $20 for 50# if I buy local and $17 if I buy when we go to the city. I also have turkey "starter" for $18/50# at 26% protein, but it's only pellets and not crumbles and crushing is a pain for chicks. I do sometimes mix the 2 and aim for 23% protein because I do breed/hatch and all of my birds are dual purpose.

Here is one link I use. It has a misprint that say 5-17% and should say 15-17%...
http://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/186894.pdf

As far as chick starter goes.. keeping chicks free of cocci is easy by simply keeping their water poo free and their bedding dry. It can be harder with large broods, but very doable. No need for medicated even if that's what the feed store insists.

 

[tjb]

Turkey feed that contains how much protein? Too much protein can cause gout and kidney failure. I would NOT feed more than 25% to chickens and probably not even that long term. The turkey feed they have here is 26-30%. It's true the extra protein will be processed by the kidneys (hence possible issues) and then excreted as super smelly waste. And fat hens have a harder time laying. Depending on your breeds, a little extra protein is preferred and even been shown to give better hatch rates in breeding birds, which to me does say better nutrition for my family. Many show breeders also use a "higher" protein feed because feathers are made of 90% protein and the amino acids it contains. So they know it gives them better overall feather growth and showing ability. But they mean higher than the 16% that is in layer. Not double!

If the started you fed is unmedicated and affordable, I would feed that before going with the turkey feed.

My flock does get Purina flock raise 20% protein, because I have mixed ages and genders. It $20 for 50# if I buy local and $17 if I buy when we go to the city. I also have turkey "starter" for $18/50# at 26% protein, but it's only pellets and not crumbles and crushing is a pain for chicks. I do sometimes mix the 2 and aim for 23% protein because I do breed/hatch and all of my birds are dual purpose.

Here is one link I use. It has a misprint that say 5-17% and should say 15-17%...
http://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/186894.pdf

As far as chick starter goes.. keeping chicks free of cocci is easy by simply keeping their water poo free and their bedding dry. It can be harder with large broods, but very doable. No need for medicated even if that's what the feed store insists.

Great info!! we have 2 local feed stores. I know one doesnt carry the all flock, I will check the second. I will definitely check out the link!

 

[R2elk]

Turkey feed that contains how much protein? Too much protein can cause gout and kidney failure. I would NOT feed more than 25% to chickens and probably not even that long term. The turkey feed they have here is 26-30%.

"Another misconception is that the protein level of breeder diets and hand feeding formulas is harmful to kidneys. In research studies in poultry, turkeys had to be fed diets with 40% protein to produce gout (one clinical sign of kidney disease) and they gradually recovered when put back on a diet with 20% protein (the amount of protein usually seen in breeder diets and hand feeding formulas). Chickens had to be fed diets with 70% protein to produce gout."

http://www.ccbirdclub.com/assets/kidney-disease.pdf

 

[EggSighted4Life]

"Another misconception is that the protein level of breeder diets and hand feeding formulas is harmful to kidneys. In research studies in poultry, turkeys had to be fed diets with 40% protein to produce gout (one clinical sign of kidney disease) and they gradually recovered when put back on a diet with 20% protein (the amount of protein usually seen in breeder diets and hand feeding formulas). Chickens had to be fed diets with 70% protein to produce gout."

http://www.ccbirdclub.com/assets/kidney-disease.pdf

Sorry, other than the mention of UC Davis... I didn't see any actual scientific studies on your link. And ALL the ones I have seen state calcium levels higher than 3% would cause the kidney issues if fed long term. Your source says 1.2% Also, one thing.

As far as I can tell, that author has NO DVM or other correlating experience to make them qualified to write the article. Oh but wait, there's more... The author is selling their OWN feed!
"The UC Davis cockatiel flock (all normal greys) have been fed nothing but Roudybush crumbles and water since 1981. From 1981 to 1986 they were fed nothing but breeder formula."

For me I'm sticking with my original information despite reviewing yours. But thank you tons for sharing! I'm totally open to leaning new things and changing it up when I feel the need.

ETA: I do recognize that it most often occurs in birds that are predisposed. But how do you know before it's too late? (okay, reversal *may* occur). And that paper says..

"Don't feed your birds a deficient diet in order to protect the few birds that might have an underlying kidney malfunction."

Nobody is talking about feeding a deficient diet here.

 

[chickmom3941]

I recently bought eggs for incubating from a local man who has a large setup and raises several nice breeds of chicken... He said that he feeds all his flock turkey feed after they complete the Chick Starter. He stated that the protein level is high and he just makes sure that he has free access to oyster shells for his laying hens at all times...

What are thoughts on this??? I have a mixed age flock and one has just started laying in the same pen as my younger pullets...

TIA

Last fall, when we were running out of chick starter, we went to get some flock grower at the feed store (chicks were probably 8-10 weeks old). The store was out of regular chicken flock grower, but had game bird flock grower, which was slightly higher in protein. We went ahead and bought it, and I saw no problems with the chicks adjusting to it (we mixed it with the remaining chick starter for about a week). When the older ladies started molting, I went ahead and gave them the higher protein game bird grower, as well, thinking the extra protein might benefit them. It sure seemed like the molting went better this year, with quicker regrowth of feathers on the adults. So, though I'm no expert, I don't think it would hurt short term, though I probably wouldn't use it on a regular basis. I would think the best thing for chickens is something formulated especially for chickens.

 

[tjb]

The gentleman that suggested the turkey feed did state that he saw an accelerated growth and earlier/better laying which concerned me somewhat. Only because I would think that "forcing" them to mature early might not be healthy.
He didn't state he had any chicken health issues.

**I will most likely be staying cautious and find the all flock feed.