We were given four turkey hens with a new chicken flock.

[chickenbyddozn]

Is there anything special besides chicken laying feed that turkeys need? We really like them but don't know much about them. Please help!

 

[Frosty]

Chicken laying feed is high in calcium and too low in protein for turkeys. Try to see if you can get gamebird feed for them. If you don't plan to free range them, you might want to think about a covered run, they fly very well. Some people clip a wing to keep them in, I prefer not to. They can still fly somewhat with a clipped wing, but will be more vulnerable to predators.

The big issue? Turkeys can be highly addictive.

Congratulations on your new birds!

 

[ShoreBird]

Over Memorial Day weekend we bought 2 black spanish turkeys from our local ag store that someone ordered and didn't pick up. We knew nothing about raising turkeys and had just started our adventures in raising chickens in late February. The folks at the store recommended feeding the turkeys a non-medicated chicken starter which is high in protein. The turkeys are 2 months old now and are absolutely adorable! It has been hot and dry in our area so today I put a sprinkler/soaker hose in the chicken/turkey yard to water the grass. As soon as I turned on the water the turkeys ran over to the hose enjoying gentle spray. After a while the chickens joined in on the fun. Thanks for the tip about turkeys flying. Hopefully our two will continue enjoying the company of their chicken family and remain inside their fenced in yard.

 

[myfinefeatheredfriends]

Turkeys are awesome to raise! They are full of personality. Mine follow me around the yard like dogs. What Frosty said about them flying is true. We have 2 month olds that already fly on top of the chicken pen (which is 6 feet tall) and roost there. We shut them in a coop at night to make sure no nocturnal predators get them. Due to their fast growth rate and large frames, turkeys require more protein than all other fowl.

 

[chickenbyddozn]

These girls are full grown. I had to laugh...this morning I went out and I was staring at them. We have five not four, but I am not sure how said fifth turkey came because I only counted four and so did my husband and kids. strange. I am going to feed store today to get game bird feed and oyster shell for eggs. We had a turkey egg yesterday and my son thought it was delicious!!!