Feeding Turkeys

Turkey raising is profitable on many farms. Sanitary management and good feeding are essential for the successful production of turkeys. Feed costs, alone, comprise about three-fourths of the total cost of raising turkeys. Cottonseed meal is one of the most economical sources of the protein that is essential for rapid, profitable growth.

Starting when they are 24 to 30 hours old, poults should receive a starting mash for the first six weeks, with clean, sharp grit available at all times. Small amounts of coarse, cracked grain (yellow corn or milo) may be sprinkled on top of the mash after the third week.

Turkeys 6 to 10 weeks old are ready to go on the range, which should be clean and separate from range used for chickens. Adequate shelter is very important. A good practice is to place feeders on clean ground, away from the roost, and to move the feeder each week. The roost should be moved 3 or 4 times during the growing season, as sanitation is of the greatest importance.

Controlled range or partial confinement is recommended for turkeys, using full feed and supplementary range to secure the most economical growth. Row crops, in alternate strips, planted with small grains or sudan, alfalfa, rape, sweet clover or lespedeza, provide good range. Plenty of fresh water and feed should be available in shady resting places on the range. Excellent rations for turkeys are:

Feed the grown mash liberally and give the birds all of the grain they will eat each evening. Use a mixture of two or more grains, but not more than 50% oats or barley.