turkey help

[buckeye chickens]

I went to the feed store today and the owner gave me a turkey! It came from Mt. Healthy hatchery and was sold as a Mamouth Bronze turkey, Is this a meat breed? If so will I have any problems like the meat chickens do with there legs? I am feeding a 24% protein feed by Manna Pro, most other turkey starters are 26% to 28% protein, is 24% protein good?
Its going to be a pet, so I want to feed for longevity. Also can turkeys and chickens get along? Any other things I need to know to keep a pet turkey healthy?

 

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
what you have is a broad breasted bronze meat turkey.

with the fast growers, you may want to up the protein to 26-28% at least for a few weeks.

there is no longevity for these birds. they are bred to grow fast and be a dinner. unfortunately, this may not make a good pet for a long time. turkeys and chickens can get along.

other things...lots of water for meat birds of any kind. lots of fresh air, good feed and safe place to live.

 

[buckeye chickens]

The feed store does not sell any turkey starter but the 24% protein, I will call around and see what I can do. If I can'nt get a turkey starter can it have a little dry cat food for more protein?
Thanks for you help.

 

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
stick with the 24% and boiled eggs for extra protein. cat food is too high in salt for poultry.

enjoy your turkey.