Turkey Talk for 2014

[ksandvig]

Actually it is 20%same as chick starter, I do believe there is a game bird feed that is around 16% the same as my layer feed, I will be checking it out next time at the feed store

What is the protein % on the flock raiser? I believe it is higher than the chicken feed. 

Here is some really good info on raising
turkey: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/787208/turkeys-101-new-to-turkeys-what-do-i-need-to-know

 

[R2elk]

Now I thought that only the broad breasted turkeys from the feed store needed that high of protien because they grow so large and fast that they needed the higher protien.The smaller breeds didn't need that high of protien.Am I wrong thinking this way?

You are wrong.

 

[kambrose]

Actually it is 20%same as chick starter, I do believe there is a game bird feed that is around 16% the same as my layer feed, I will be checking it out next time at the feed store

The one at the store is 19%
I bought a starter from Scratch N Peck feeds and it's a 20%
I think when I saw the flock raiser it was only 19% too.

 

[SilkieSensation]

I never give any of my turkeys higher than 24% protein. Rapid weight gain from high protein is what causes leg problems. I drop my broad breasted to 18% protein after 6 weeks of age until 2-3 weeks before butcher then back up to 24% to pack on fat for butcher. I do heritage the same except they stay on 24% until about 10-12 weeks & only go back up if I plan to butcher. I do my broilers the same as broad breasted turkeys. It takes a little longer to reach butcher weight but is well worth it because I have few to no losses due to leg issues.

I followed the high protein program my first year raising turkeys & broilers. I lost over half my broilers & all but 1 bbw turkey to leg issues. The following year, I listened to the advice of a friend who has been raising meat birds for over 30 years. The lower protein definitely improves mortality rates. I have only had 1 bird with leg issues since...a broiler who made it to butcher but was much smaller & had other internal issues that I found when I opened him up.

 

[marchick]

Well this is what I know! I raised 7 turkeys last year on medicated purina start and grow because I had them with my chicks.I can't remember what I went to after that! I thought it was flock raiser.I know it wasn't over 20 percent protien. Then when I put them all in with my laying hens. They got a special made non-gmo laying feed that my hens get. I am sure its not over 20 to 24 percent. Two royal palms and 5 narragansetts.None of them had any leg problems.They are beautiful healthy turkeys.

 

[marchick]

I never give any of my turkeys higher than 24% protein. Rapid weight gain from high protein is what causes leg problems. I drop my broad breasted to 18% protein after 6 weeks of age until 2-3 weeks before butcher then back up to 24% to pack on fat for butcher. I do heritage the same except they stay on 24% until about 10-12 weeks & only go back up if I plan to butcher. I do my broilers the same as broad breasted turkeys. It takes a little longer to reach butcher weight but is well worth it because I have few to no losses due to leg issues.

I followed the high protein program my first year raising turkeys & broilers. I lost over half my broilers & all but 1 bbw turkey to leg issues. The following year, I listened to the advice of a friend who has been raising meat birds for over 30 years. The lower protein definitely improves mortality rates. I have only had 1 bird with leg issues since...a broiler who made it to butcher but was much smaller & had other internal issues that I found when I opened him up.

I believe that is correct! Too high of protien causes rapid growth and the body grows so fast that the legs can not support them!

 

[chickadoodles]

Before I ever bought my first turkey I read all kinds of books and articles online full of info on how to raise turkey. Mr. Frank Reese is one of the best and largest breeders of Heritage turkey.
I read everything I could find by him. He raises his turkey on 27% feed for the first few months. (I cannot recall how many months) but he said it is nessary for good bone structure for their frame.
I raise mine on 27% and the best I can find in my area since I spend the time and money to buy and raise the best quality stock and some of Mr. Frank Reese's stock. (But that is just me)

I would not suggest feeding broad breasted turkey the same feed they would do fine on chicken feed.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Before I ever bought my first turkey I read all kinds of books and articles online full of info on how to raise turkey. Mr. Frank Reese is one of the best and largest breeders of Heritage turkey.
I read everything I could find by him. He raises his turkey on 27% feed for the first few months. (I cannot recall how many months) but he said it is nessary for good bone structure for their frame.
I raise mine on 27% and the best I can find in my area since I spend the time and money to buy and raise the best quality stock and some of Mr. Frank Reese's stock.  (But that is just me) 

I would not suggest feeding broad breasted turkey the same feed they would do fine on chicken feed. 

You can get away with higher protein for heritage than for broad breasted. Since I only mix 2 types of feed for all of my birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quail & peafowl) the options are 18% or 24%. Quail stay on the 24%, everyone else goes to 18% at some point. Geese start at 18% & have access to grass & greens. I have given them half & half during transition before as well. My results are as follows:
Chicks grow really fast
Turkeys & meaties grow more slowly
Zero leg problems from too rapid of weight gain

 

[chickadoodles]

Quote: Everyone feeds their own way. But I was trying to let the new turkey owner know that heritage turkey need the higher feed. I start my broad breasted out on the higher % feed then go down to slow their growth. I do not go down on my heritage turkey until they are at least 4 months old.
I have not had any problems with my birds legs so far.
I also raise LF chickens and I give them a higher % feed to get their weight up to par.

 

[marchick]

Everyone needs to do what works for them! Try it one way and make a change if needed!