Turkey Talk for 2014

[gevshiba]

Oh good. Since we're talking feed, I have a couple questions. I feed a non GMO, soy free feed. It's not the feed I want, but the feed store quit carrying what I really liked and I can't drive 50 plus miles one way for feed. I tried to get another store to carry it, but they are small stores that can't stock the inventory. So, game bird is 28%, broiler/grower is 22% and chick starter is 20%. Layer is 18%, but I don't like to feed layer. I do feed a little every day, but I have a lot of mixed ages. Also, those BBB's gobble it down like candy and don't leave much for the hens. I have almost 8 week old BR poults eating game bird and I just started mixing in grower. I thought I'd switch them to grower after they finish the last half bag of game bird. I've been feeding the grower to everyone, but would it be better to go with the lower chick starter? Is there a reason not too? Or should I stay with the 22% for everyone? I prefer to buy my oyster shell separately rather than pay for it in a bag of layer. I'm not interested in a feed that isn't non GMO or has soy. I can't eat soy, I don't want what I eat to eat it. So, 28, 22 or 20% are my options at this time. Bring on the opinions!

 

[turksinmaine]

for the first 6-8 weeks starter 28% then grower.then finisher, or egg producer crumble.
this may help also:
http://albc-usa.etapwss.com/images/uploads/docs/ALBCturkey-4.pdf
hope helps.

also check other sources than just feed stores, hardware, farms, local classifieds, even google for feed in your area. maybe some place sells what you are looking for that you would have never imagined.see if someone selling turkey poults in your area and give them a call and ask them where they get their feed, may seem awkward but more than likely they not mind.

 

[gevshiba]

for the first 6-8 weeks starter 28% then grower.then finisher, or egg producer crumble.
this may help also:
http://albc-usa.etapwss.com/images/uploads/docs/ALBCturkey-4.pdf
hope helps.

also check other sources than just feed stores, hardware, farms, local classifieds, even google for feed in your area. maybe some place sells what you are looking for that you would have never imagined.see if someone selling turkey poults in your area and give them a call and ask them where they get their feed, may seem awkward but more than likely they not mind.

Thank you, but what I'm asking is, since I don't want to feed layer except as more of a supplement, would it be better to feed the 22% broiler/grower or the 20% chick starter to all my juvenile and adult birds, including chickens, as their regular feed. I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't very clear. I do tend to ramble.

I contacted the manufacturer of the feed I'd like to use, but they don't have anyone to carry it this far north yet. The options are sparse.

 

[kambrose]

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. 

So you sell poults or hatching eggs? Or both?
Do u have blacks and Narragansett?
Maybe even some silver auburn?

 

[chickadoodles]

Quote: I will be selling hatching eggs again in the spring. I do not have any you are looking for right now.
@WalnutHill does.

 

[TattooedMama]

So you sell poults or hatching eggs? Or both?
Do u have blacks and Narragansett?
Maybe even some silver auburn?

We ordered Silver Auburn from Porters this year and they should arrive soon (I hope!!). Through all my google searches I have not come up with anything on Silver Auburns available anywhere but Porters, and they are sold out for the year. If all goes well we will have hatching eggs for sale next year. We have also ordered two blacks, if by any chance they are a pair we would also have those available.

 

[feedman77]

We ordered Silver Auburn from Porters this year and they should arrive soon (I hope!!). Through all my google searches I have not come up with anything on Silver Auburns available anywhere but Porters, and they are sold out for the year. If all goes well we will have hatching eggs for sale next year. We have also ordered two blacks, if by any chance they are a pair we would also have those available. 

There was a member on here thst had some silver auburns and was selling eggs earlier.

 

[TattooedMama]

There was a member on here thst had some silver auburns and was selling eggs earlier.

Oh really?! Sorry, I don't follow the thread daily. I looked hard a a few months ago for them anywhere but Porters and came up with nothing. Would love to see how they like them and pictures =)

 

[chickadoodles]

We put up some barrier netting for the birds to get out and have more yard to roam in while we are out there with them and they love it.

 

[gevshiba]

Brat! I knew they were occasionally escaping, but I didn't think they were flying over the 6' fence. There's not much take off room, so it's almost straight up. I know they can fly, but I didn't think a 9 week old could get that much height without more take off room. Rescued one from a cockerel this morning. The chicken was standing on him with both feet and pecking the snot out of him. The cockerel never saw me coming. He went for an unscheduled flight as well. I didn't hurt him, but he was surprised. I guess I'll be extending the fence to the roof.