Why are my 4 week old turkeys eating grit like mealworms?

[kengland]

Ever since introducing grit to their diets (there are two of them), they have gone after the grit like a treat. I can put a small 4"X4"X1" container with them full of grit, and it will be gone in the morning. When I set the container down, it's as if I just threw down a handfull of mealworms. I've never seen anything like it.

Any idea why this is? I now give this amount of grit every three days. They are on a 28% mash turkey starter and have access to the outdoors.

 

[bugflipper]

Turkeys are very stupid. I would quit offering grit. If they have access outdoors they can find their own. A beak full should last for weeks. When you inspect their craw it's normal to see maybe 4 or 5 little rocks in it. With the amount you are talking about they have to be swallowing it. That can't be good for the digestive system.

 

[retlaw]

I don't think they are very stupid at all.
They just have a lower conscience level compared to man.

My birds have access to three different feeders, oats, corn and turkey pellets.
Yet all day they dig and eat dirt.

There are many web sites that refer to the health benefits of eating dirt.
Even for humans.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602162820.htm

I would feed them all the dirt they want.