What to feed breeder turkeys in the winter?

[Farmerboy16]

I have 9 bourbon red turkeys that are over a year old, I got them as day-old poults. I had fed them laying mash, and scratch last winter, but want to make sure that I am feeding them right. Can I feed them just scratch for its cheaper, or a combination of scratch and something. Thanks.

 

[Lagerdogger]

Some feed companies make a "flock keeper" feed that is similar to laying mash but has a little more protein and a little less calcium. I don't know if the extra calcium is bad for birds that are not laying. I can't find that around here, so I fed mine meat maker until the middle of February, then switched to gamebird layer for the breeding season. I think what you feed them is much less critical if they can do some natural foraging all winter, but around here it's just snow!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

What ever you feed them should come out to between 20-24% protein. Purina Flock Raiser would do it or most any gamebird grower or breeder feed.

I mix layer feed (16%) and gamebird starter (28%) half and half for mine though this winter I'll probably start buying gamebird breeder feed since I'll have enough birds to justify the bother.

 

[kuntrygirl]

I feed mine Flock Raiser - 20% protein.

 

[onthespot]

me too.

 

[ColbyNTX]

Scratch should only be fed as a treat, never as a diet! Its about 8% protien. The should have about 20% feed. If you need a cheaper feed then get fewer birds.

 

[Farmerboy16]

Thanks everyone for the advice on the feed.

I will go to the local feed mill sometime this week to see what they have.

 

[chicmom]

I use Purina Flock Raiser, and I offer cracked corn as their bedtime snack. They love their snack, and Mr. Turkey, my Royal Palm, will come onto the front porch, and peek in the window and chirp at me. It's like he's saying, "It's almost corn time! Come outside please!"

I love it!

 

[Lotsapaints]

I feed game bird maintenance along with stale bread and a little corn and a month before I want to hatch eggs I go to game bird breeder