What to feed a baby turkey?

[fera]

What every you do, do NOT, i repeat do NOT pour water or any liquid down it's throat (or any other bird for that master). It will aspirate the lungs and it will not recover. Also, they tend to get stressed and starve themselves. By the time you realize and see their weakness, it will be too late. Give it to a rehabiliator as soon as possible so they can feed the proper way.

 

[casportpony]

What every you do, do NOT, i repeat do NOT pour water or any liquid down it's throat (or any other bird for that master).  It will aspirate the lungs and it will not recover.  Also, they tend to get stressed and starve themselves.  By the time you realize and see their weakness, it will be too late.  Give it to a rehabiliator as soon as possible so they can feed the proper way.

Or learn how to tube feed, it's very easy. But I agree, dripping water or syringing it will more than likely kill them.

-Kathy

 

[jewels4710]

I am so glad someone asked . Since last June I now have 12 laying hens three different breeds. 1 Rooster unsure of the breed. 5 chicks added a little over a week again. Want to add Turkeys. Was also wondering what the eat. About what breed would be good for Ohio. Etc. Thanks to who ever asked.

 

[R2elk]

I am so glad someone asked . Since last June I now have 12 laying hens three different breeds. 1 Rooster unsure of the breed. 5 chicks added a little over a week again. Want to add Turkeys. Was also wondering what the eat. About what breed would be good for Ohio. Etc. Thanks to who ever asked.

Read the Turkeys 101 thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-turkeys-what-do-i-need-to-know#post_11309891

 

[jewels4710]

R2elk Thank you for the link. Very helpful, saved time. I am trying to decide on breed. May end up just getting what is at Royal King when they get them and I get to go. I do not really want 25 that you have to order at the place I have seen.

 

[R2elk]

R2elk Thank you for the link. Very helpful, saved time. I am trying to decide on breed. May end up just getting what is at Royal King when they get them and I get to go. I do not really want 25 that you have to order at the place I have seen.

Most local feed stores only bring in broad breasted turkey poults. Your best bet to get heritage turkeys in a small quantity is to buy locally. Keep an eye on craigslist, local feed store bulletin boards and other local papers.

Most hatcheries only require 15 poults for mail order. My experience is that if you are having trouble finding local poults that the same is happening for other people. I just advertise any excess poults that I don't want and they have sold quickly for me.

You can also try to find other people willing to go in with you on an order.

Good luck.

 

[The Great Bouquet]

What is the advantage of giving your birds medicated feed over regular feed? What is the medication in the feed?

 

[R2elk]

What is the advantage of giving your birds medicated feed over regular feed? What is the medication in the feed?

The only reason to feed turkeys medicated feed is if you have a coccidiosis problem. The "medication" is normally amprolium. Amprolium is a thiamine blocker which cause the coccidia to die.

Turkey poults need thiamine for proper development. If you don't have a coccidia problem, don't feed your poults an amprolium medicated feed.

Purina makes Game Bird Starter BMD that is formulated for the prevention of ulcerative enteritis in growing quail due to Clostridium colinum. It supposedly won't hurt poults but I see no reason to feed it to them.

 

[Berd Man]

The only reason to feed turkeys medicated feed is if you have a coccidiosis problem. The "medication" is normally amprolium. Amprolium is a thiamine blocker which cause the coccidia to die.

Turkey poults need thiamine for proper development. If you don't have a coccidia problem, don't feed your poults an amprolium medicated feed.

Purina makes Game Bird Starter BMD that is formulated for the prevention of ulcerative enteritis in growing quail due to Clostridium colinum. It supposedly won't hurt poults but I see no reason to feed it to them.

He’s right ^ the 30% game bird starter I ordered was BMD starter and my poults ate it for 8 weeks and are fine. I didn’t know it was medicated, feed store error. But I share the mindset that if they aren’t sick don’t preemptively give medicated starter “just in case” .