What type of food to feed turkey poult?

[4Dobermans]

It’s my first time having one so I looked it up and I read that they should have gamebird starter 30% until they are about 9 weeks old so I bought some. I did have some chick starter for my geese because they didn’t really like the waterfowl but by the time I got her, it only had a hand full left so I got some gamebird for her. Well I asked on Reddit if that was the appropriate food and someone kept calling it a chick or duck and then I said it was a turkey and they kept being like that so eventually they said I was playing a game. I was totally confused because all I said was that it was a turkey poult when they asked if it was a chick or duck. What kind of food is appropriate for a chocolate heritage poult? If I need to get chick, I can tomorrow but I just want to make sure because it’s only like three days old

 

[NatJ]

Gamebirds starter should be fine.
You can check the label on the bag. If it says to feed it to turkey poults, that should be reassuring too.

 

[R2elk]

It’s my first time having one so I looked it up and I read that they should have gamebird starter 30% until they are about 9 weeks old so I bought some. I did have some chick starter for my geese because they didn’t really like the waterfowl but by the time I got her, it only had a hand full left so I got some gamebird for her. Well I asked on Reddit if that was the appropriate food and someone kept calling it a chick or duck and then I said it was a turkey and they kept being like that so eventually they said I was playing a game. I was totally confused because all I said was that it was a turkey poult when they asked if it was a chick or duck. What kind of food is appropriate for a chocolate heritage poult? If I need to get chick, I can tomorrow but I just want to make sure because it’s only like three days old

Turkey poults should have a high protein (28% to 30%) turkey or game bird starter for the first 6 to 8 weeks. After that they can go on a quality turkey or game bird grower (usually around 24% protein) for the next 6 weeks.

Once they are 12 to 14 weeks old they can go on an adult feed. I feed my adult turkeys 20% protein all flock pellets.

 

[R2elk]

Gamebirds starter should be fine.
You can check the label on the bag. If it says to feed it to turkey poults, that should be reassuring too.

Just because something says you can feed it to turkey poults does not mean it is appropriate. Tractor Supply puts that information on their 20% protein chick starter which in no way is appropriate for turkey poults.

Unfortunately the USDA really doesn't care about false advertising when it comes to animal feeds.

 

[NatJ]

Just because something says you can feed it to turkey poults does not mean it is appropriate. Tractor Supply puts that information on their 20% protein chick starter which in no way is appropriate for turkey poults.

I meant, IF it is already labeled gamebird starter, AND if it also says to feed to turkey poults.

So far, every "gamebird starter" I have looked at does have enough protein for starting turkeys as well.

For the Tractor Supply feed, do you mean this one?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ick-strarter-grower-20-feed-50-lb-3006317-306
"DuMOR Chick Starter/Grower 20% Feed is a premium quality feed designed to nourish chickens, turkeys, as well as other poultry....Formulated to provide optimal nutrition for starting chicks, ducks, and geese up to 10 weeks of age, and for growing turkeys and gamebirds from 6 weeks to market or laying age"

That does state, I think quite clearly, that it is meant for turkeys only after they are 6 weeks old (the age at which you are recommending 24% grower feed.)

Unfortunately the USDA really doesn't care about false advertising when it comes to animal feeds.

The USDA may not care at all, since the FDA is in charge of regulating animal feed.
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-food-feeds/product-regulation

I assume they have some definitions or standards for what is required in food for each age/species of animal, but I can't seem to find them. Anything labeled in accordance with their standards would not be "false advertising" (which is why I wanted to see what their standards are!)

 

[Huntmaster]

I read that they should have gamebird starter 30% until they are about 9 weeks old so I bought some.

I use a 28% Game bird starter for 1st 12 weeks. I then switch them to a 24% game bird grower pellet from then on for all my Heritage varieties. Yes they need the higher protein feed. You said 30% what brand feed is it?

 

[cmobley]

I use Purina gamebird starter its a 30% feed. It costs a little more but I feel like it's a quality feed that helps them out in those first few weeks when they try to die from everything.

 

[Huntmaster]

I use a 28% Game bird starter for 1st 12 weeks. I then switch them to a 24% game bird grower pellet from then on for all my Heritage varieties. Yes they need the higher protein feed. You said 30% what brand feed is it?

I use Prince brand

 

[SummerLilacs]

Hi All! I am wondering the same thing. Mine are coming off Purina Game Starter, and the best option I could find locally is the same feed at Tractor Supply. The DuMor Chick Starter and grower... it specifies (below) the information for Turkeys... Will this be fine? Thanks!

• Feed as sole ration to turkeys from 8 weeks of age through 16 weeks of age.

Healthy birds equal a happy flock. DuMOR Chick Starter/Grower 20% Feed is a premium quality feed designed to nourish chickens, turkeys, as well as other poultry. This nutritious feed has prebiotics and probiotics to support immune and digestive health of your birds regardless of age, activity level or health status,

• Formulated to provide optimal nutrition for starting chicks, ducks, and geese up to 10 weeks of age, and for growing turkeys and gamebirds from 6 weeks to market or laying age
• Chick feed contains prebiotics and probiotics that supports immune and digestive health

 

[R2elk]

Hi All! I am wondering the same thing. Mine are coming off Purina Game Starter, and the best option I could find locally is the same feed at Tractor Supply. The DuMor Chick Starter and grower... it specifies (below) the information for Turkeys... Will this be fine? Thanks!

• Feed as sole ration to turkeys from 8 weeks of age through 16 weeks of age.

Healthy birds equal a happy flock. DuMOR Chick Starter/Grower 20% Feed is a premium quality feed designed to nourish chickens, turkeys, as well as other poultry. This nutritious feed has prebiotics and probiotics to support immune and digestive health of your birds regardless of age, activity level or health status,

• Formulated to provide optimal nutrition for starting chicks, ducks, and geese up to 10 weeks of age, and for growing turkeys and gamebirds from 6 weeks to market or laying age
• Chick feed contains prebiotics and probiotics that supports immune and digestive health

I wouldn't use it. A good turkey or game bird grower will have higher levels of protein, lysine and methionine. It isn't all about the protein level. The lysine, methionine and niacin levels are very important too.