Raising turkeys, whether for your backyard or a small farm, can be a rewarding experience. But one question that always pops up for beginners and seasoned keepers alike is: How much feed does a turkey need per day? Understanding your turkeys’ nutritional needs is essential for healthy growth and a successful flock. In this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about feeding turkeys at every stage of their lives.
Contents
- 1 Why Proper Feeding Matters for Turkeys
- 2 How Much Feed Does a Turkey Eat Per Day?
- 3 Types of Turkey Feed by Age
- 4 Feeding Tips for Healthy Turkeys
- 5 Sample Feeding Schedule for Turkeys
- 6 Factors That Affect How Much Turkeys Eat
- 7 Troubleshooting Common Feeding Issues
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Turkeys
- 9 The Bottom Line: Happy Turkeys Start With Good Nutrition
Why Proper Feeding Matters for Turkeys
Just like humans, turkeys need the right balance of nutrients to thrive. The amount and type of feed they require changes as they grow. Giving your turkeys the correct feed ensures:
- Healthy weight gain and muscle development
- Strong immune systems
- Better egg production (for breeding flocks)
- Delicious, high-quality meat (for meat birds)
How Much Feed Does a Turkey Eat Per Day?
The daily feed intake for turkeys depends on their age, breed, and whether they are being raised for meat or eggs. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Poults (baby turkeys, 0-6 weeks): 0.2 to 0.3 pounds (about 3 to 5 ounces) per bird per day
- Growing turkeys (7-12 weeks): 0.4 to 0.5 pounds (6 to 8 ounces) per bird per day
- Finishing turkeys (13-20 weeks): 0.6 to 0.8 pounds (10 to 13 ounces) per bird per day
- Adult turkeys (breeding age): 0.5 to 0.7 pounds (8 to 11 ounces) per bird per day
These amounts are general guidelines and can vary based on breed, activity level, and access to pasture or supplemental foods.
Types of Turkey Feed by Age
Turkeys require different types of feed as they mature. Here’s what you should offer at each stage:
- Starter Feed (0-6 weeks): High-protein (28-30%) crumble formulated for poults. This helps them grow quickly and stay healthy.
- Grower Feed (7-12 weeks): Slightly less protein (24-26%). This supports steady growth without overloading their systems.
- Finisher Feed (13-20 weeks): Protein content drops further (20-22%) as turkeys approach market weight.
- Layer or Breeder Feed (adults): If keeping for eggs or breeding, switch to a layer feed with lower protein but added calcium.
Feeding Tips for Healthy Turkeys
- Always provide fresh, clean water. Turkeys drink a lot, especially in warm weather.
- Avoid feeding chickens and turkeys the same feed. Turkey poults need higher protein than chicks.
- Offer grit or small stones. This helps turkeys digest their food properly, especially if they’re eating whole grains or foraging.
- Don’t overfeed treats. Fruits, veggies, and grains are fine in moderation, but too many treats can lead to nutritional imbalances.
- Keep feeders clean and dry. Wet or moldy feed can make turkeys sick.
- If free-ranging, adjust feed amounts. Turkeys that forage will eat less commercial feed since they supplement with bugs and plants.
Sample Feeding Schedule for Turkeys
| Age | Type of Feed | Daily Amount per Bird |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 weeks | Starter Crumble (28-30% protein) | 0.2-0.3 lbs (3-5 oz) |
| 7-12 weeks | Grower Feed (24-26% protein) | 0.4-0.5 lbs (6-8 oz) |
| 13-20 weeks | Finisher Feed (20-22% protein) | 0.6-0.8 lbs (10-13 oz) |
| 20+ weeks (adults) | Layer/Breeder Feed (16-18% protein) | 0.5-0.7 lbs (8-11 oz) |
Factors That Affect How Much Turkeys Eat
No two flocks are exactly the same! Here are some things that might change how much your turkeys eat each day:
- Breed: Larger breeds like Broad Breasted Whites eat more than heritage breeds.
- Weather: Cold weather increases feed needs as birds use more energy to stay warm.
- Activity level: Free-range or active birds may eat less commercial feed if they supplement with pasture forage.
- Health: Sick or stressed birds may eat less; always monitor your flock’s appetite.
- Feed quality: High-quality feed is more nutritious and efficient than low-grade options.
Troubleshooting Common Feeding Issues
- Poor growth or weight gain: Check protein content of feed and ensure birds aren’t being crowded out at the feeder.
- Picky eaters: Make sure feed is fresh and not stale or moldy; try adding a little poultry-friendly supplement if needed.
- Spoiled or wasted feed: Use feeders that minimize spillage and keep food off the ground to avoid contamination.
- Lack of appetite: Rule out illness or stressors such as overcrowding, heat, or bullying from other birds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Turkeys
Can I feed my turkeys kitchen scraps?
You can offer some kitchen scraps like vegetables and fruits as treats, but these should never replace their balanced turkey feed. Avoid anything salty, fatty, or moldy. Always check that treats are safe for poultry before sharing!
Do turkeys need grit?
If your turkeys are eating anything other than commercial crumble—like grains or foraged food—they should have access to grit. Grit helps them grind up food in their gizzard and is crucial for proper digestion.
Should I let my turkeys free-range?
If you have the space and a safe environment, free-ranging is great! Your turkeys will eat bugs, grass, and seeds, which can cut down on commercial feed costs. Just be sure they still have access to their regular feed so they get all necessary nutrients.
How do I know if my turkeys are getting enough food?
Your turkeys should look alert, active, and have steady weight gain. If you notice slow growth, lethargy, or feather loss, review your feeding routine or consult a poultry expert.
The Bottom Line: Happy Turkeys Start With Good Nutrition
Caring for turkeys isn’t complicated when you understand their feeding needs. By providing the right type and amount of feed at each stage of life—and paying attention to their health—you’ll raise thriving, productive birds. Happy feeding!