Turkey Question: How much calcium and vitamin d supplement to use in birds living in HEAT?

[PureBigBird]

Found an article that discusses an increased need for additional calcium and vitamin d in poultry that live in HOT climates - appears to be an increased need of both in birds.

How much calcium and vitamin d are others giving and what is the products that are being purchased and from who? Please provide close to exact amount. Heard there is a 2:1 ratio, but need translation.

I use a standard vitamin, electrolyte and probiotic blend from a feed store. And the bird eats 1 cup a daily of layer pellets.

http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-635X2012000300002

 

[rjohns39]

Where are you located and what kind of birds are you raising?

 

[PureBigBird]

Where are you located and what kind of birds are you raising?

Southern BBB turkeys not for consumption-beautiful kind pets (after they have passed will not acquire anymore.)

 

[rjohns39]

Southern BBB turkeys not for consumption-beautiful kind pets (after they have passed will not acquire anymore.)

The article you reference is targeting factory (indoor) farms in countries without sufficient environmental controls. If you're feeding them a high quality turkey feed, you shouldn't require any additional vitamins or nutrients. Once they are 24 weeks, I'd probably move them to a layer feed ~16% protein. If you're worried about the vitamins, offer them a can of pink salmon occasionally (not more than a 1/2 can once a week per bird). There are lots of opinions out there about ACV, I rarely use it more out of an abundance of caution then anything else. Though I have not yet tried it (haven't been able to get the wheat), my nutritionist has suggested offering the turkey's a mix of 4 parts whole wheat and 1 part grit free choice in addition to their feed. I wouldn't use on days over 90 degrees as on hot days, they drink more and eat less, which means they get less protein, vitamins, etc. smashed up hard boiled eggs are also a wonderful source of additional protein and calcium for them on those hot days. You'll find they'll go crazy over melons on those days too. Treats should not exceed 10% of their diet, but also take into account they're eating grass and worms too.