What to feed them...

So the family went to the Wetaskiwin Poultry & Pigeon show yesterday. Not only did my daughter walk out of their with a pedigree bunny, but my husband decided on a pair of Royal Palm Turkey's. It was a complete spur of the moment thing so probably not the best idea but when we got home and did some research we felt not to bad on the decision.

Right now there in a spot in our barn until I don't notice anything odd though we will be placing them in the same coop as our chickens once the waiting period is over. At least that is the plan unless my husband manages to get the time to build something for them this spring/summer, but that isn't likely due to his work schedule.

My main concern is feed. Will the Turkeys be okay off layer ration along with whatever fruits/veggies I give them? Or should I be placing something out that is specific for their needs? If I do, will it be a problem for my layers?

Help please!

I have fed turkeys on layers ration, and layers on turkey ration. They are pretty easy going. In the summer if they have access to pasture, the can get up to 40% of their feed from it and they love veggies through the winter.

Okay, that's great to know and eases my mind a ton.

Thanks a lot!

Try for 4 weeks on their own. My vet says anything percolating should be clear by then.

I keep chickens and turkeys together in winter and as Butterboy says they both seem to eat layer or grower or turkey pellets quite happily. I'm more careful with the young stock.

I saw those turkeys, they are gorgeous! Congrats!

I thought turkeys and chickens were not supposed to be housed together do to black head?

These two I have were raised around chickens and shared the same pen in the winter. For some silly reason we didn't think to ask about the food situation at the same time... Now what is black head?  

Kimberly K wrote:These two I have were raised around chickens and shared the same pen in the winter. For some silly reason we didn't think to ask about the food situation at the same time... Now what is black head?  

good question......a disease of some sort I am not totally familiar with sorry.

I have always kept them together, and never had any issues. I know some other people have had issues, but others have not, and it is rarely an issue with adults.