Poultry cell additive worth it?

[cmobley]

I started adding this to the water for all my birds does anyone else use it or see any difference when using it also what's the best thing for getting my turkeys feathers to look better my bourbon tom is pretty ragged looking.

 

[Molpet]

I have not used it.

The turkeys feathers usually get ragged from confinement and molting is the only thing I know of that helps.

 

[R2elk]

View attachment 3088889I started adding this to the water for all my birds does anyone else use it or see any difference when using it also what's the best thing for getting my turkeys feathers to look better my bourbon tom is pretty ragged looking.

I would not use it.

Turkey feathers at this time of year are often "ratty" looking especially if kept in close quarters. Hens have messed up feathers from numerous breedings. If toms are kept together, their tail feathers take a beating from the fights and harassment.

Boss, as long as it is used in controlled quantity can be helpful because of the methionine content. Feather Fixer can be helpful too.

As @Molpet pointed out, only a molt will get the feathers back to top condition.

 

[cmobley]

He's in a 200 sqft pen by himself my hens feathers are fine its mainly his tail feathers that look all whacked up its no big deal just seems like my broad breasted bronze feathers were always immaculate and shiny.

 

[R2elk]

He's in a 200 sqft pen by himself my hens feathers are fine its mainly his tail feathers that look all whacked up its no big deal just seems like my broad breasted bronze feathers were always immaculate and shiny.

He's probably breaking his tail feathers as he paces the fence line, spinning and strutting.

At that stage, additives may give the feathers a brighter sheen but they will not restore damaged feathers.

I have a chicken hen whose plumage looks far better than all the rest. Her feathers look better this year than they ever had in the past. The reason is because she has been eating fresh eggs daily. She now no longer has access to freshly laid eggs unless she happens to lay an egg of her own.

 

[Coops Dad]

My free range Bourbon Reds have gorgeous feathers but my penned-at-night Broad Breasted Whites look like they've been disciplined with a weed whacker. I'm guessing it's the bashing about against the fence in the mornings.

 

[R2elk]

My free range Bourbon Reds have gorgeous feathers but my penned-at-night Broad Breasted Whites look like they've been disciplined with a weed whacker. I'm guessing it's the bashing about against the fence in the mornings.View attachment 3094397

It's partially due to breeding. The BBWs have been developed to the point where they can be feather sexed at hatch. A side effect has been poorer quality feathers overall.

 

[Coops Dad]

It's partially due to breeding. The BBWs have been developed to the point where they can be feather sexed at hatch. A side effect has been poorer quality feathers overall.

What?!? Tell me how!!! I can't tell if that beast is a dominant hen or my lone tom. Either way, it's going into a deep fryer in a couple of weeks but I'm swooning of curiosity.

 

[R2elk]

If it is at least 3 months old, it is a hen. If it is younger than that it could go either way.

http://www.valleyofthemoonturkeys.com/

are the ones making feather sexable BBs.

 

[Coops Dad]

Well, SHE is 5 months old. She's the only one that does this, and only when any of the other hens squat for me.

The squatting is a pain in the butt for me. I'm usually carrying a couple sacks of feed when it happens- one will rush to cross in front of me and suddenly squat. I'm surprised I haven't dropped 80 lbs of feed on one by now.