Turkeys have different dietary needs depending on their age and purpose. Here are some tips on what to feed turkeys:
-
Young turkeys: From birth to 8 weeks old, young turkeys need a high-protein diet like Purina Game Bird & Turkey Starter feed. After 8 weeks, switch to Purina Flock Raiser feed until they reach 18 weeks old.
-
Adult turkeys: After 18 weeks, switch to Purina Layena Plus Omega-3 feed for laying hens if you want your turkeys to lay eggs. If you are raising males and females together, you can continue to feed them all their current feed but provide an additional feeder with Purina Oyster Shell to provide a source of calcium for the laying hens.
-
Free-ranging turkeys: Turkeys like to eat the growing tips of the grass and will also enjoy any kitchen or garden scraps like lettuce, tomatoes, sweet corn, summer squash, and cooked sweet potato. They are mainly green feeders and will eat more fresh green grass and herbs than anything else.
-
Wild turkeys: Their diet varies depending on the season. In spring, they eat more fresh buds, grasses, and similar plant material. Insects and berries are more popular fare in summer. In autumn and winter, nuts, fruits, and grains make up the bulk of their diet.
-
Supplements: Turkeys naturally eat small pebbles and stones which then stay in the gizzard for some time and help break down food. However, depending on their housing arrangement, you may need to offer insoluble grit, which can be purchased at most feed stores. Safe treats for turkeys include kale, lettuces (avoid iceberg), cabbage, cucumber, zucchini, summer squash, blueberries, and strawberries.
It is important to note that the diet of domestic turkeys is often formulated to encourage heavier birds and faster growth to increase commercial profits. If you are raising heritage turkey breeds, it is recommended to offer a more natural diet for the birds to eat, including allowing them to forage freely through pastures and fields.
