What Should You Feed Baby Turkeys for Optimal Growth and Health?

ByMargaret Harrison Baby Feeding

Raising baby turkeys, or poults, can be an incredibly rewarding experience, whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a backyard enthusiast. These charming little creatures grow rapidly and require specific care to thrive, starting with their diet. Understanding what to feed baby turkeys is crucial for their health, growth, and overall well-being. From the right nutrients to feeding schedules, the choices you make in their early days can set the foundation for a robust and productive flock.

When it comes to feeding baby turkeys, it’s essential to provide a balanced diet that meets their unique nutritional needs. Unlike chickens, turkeys require a higher protein content in their feed, especially during their initial weeks of life. This protein is vital for their growth and development, helping them build strong bones and muscles. Additionally, introducing the right vitamins and minerals will support their immune systems, ensuring they stay healthy and resilient as they grow.

As you embark on this journey of raising turkeys, you’ll discover that their dietary requirements evolve as they mature. Starting with a specialized starter feed, you will gradually transition them to grower and finisher feeds, each tailored to their changing needs. Understanding these stages and the appropriate feeding practices will not only enhance their growth but also ensure that your turkeys are well-prepared for a healthy

Feeding Schedules for Baby Turkeys

Establishing a consistent feeding schedule is crucial for the growth and health of baby turkeys, known as poults. A feeding schedule ensures they receive the necessary nutrients at the right intervals to support their rapid development.

  • Days 1-7: Feed poults every 2-3 hours, providing a continuous supply of food. This frequent feeding helps them adjust to their new environment and promotes healthy growth.
  • Days 8-14: Transition to feeding every 4-6 hours. By this stage, their digestive systems are better developed, and they can handle larger quantities of food.
  • After 2 weeks: Feeding can be adjusted to three times a day. Ensure they have constant access to clean water.

Types of Feed for Baby Turkeys

The diet of baby turkeys should be specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Several types of feed are suitable for poults:

  • Starter Feed: A high-protein feed (28-30% protein) designed for the first few weeks of life. It contains essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Grower Feed: After the initial starter phase, switch to a grower feed with a protein content of 20-24%. This feed supports continued growth and development.
  • Finisher Feed: As turkeys approach maturity, finisher feed (16-18% protein) is appropriate to prepare them for market or breeding.
Age of Turkey Type of Feed Protein Content
0-2 weeks Starter Feed 28-30%
2-8 weeks Grower Feed 20-24%
8 weeks and older Finisher Feed 16-18%

Supplemental Nutrition for Baby Turkeys

In addition to commercially available feeds, incorporating supplements can enhance the nutrition of baby turkeys. These can include:

  • Probiotics: Help establish healthy gut flora, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Electrolytes: Useful, especially during times of stress, to maintain hydration and energy levels.
  • Grit: Provides the necessary digestive aid for the breakdown of feed in their gizzards.

Water Requirements

Access to fresh, clean water is just as important as feed. Baby turkeys are highly susceptible to dehydration, which can severely impact their health. Ensure that:

  • Water containers are shallow to prevent drowning.
  • Water is changed daily to maintain cleanliness.
  • Adequate water is available at all times, especially during hot weather.

By carefully monitoring feeding schedules, selecting the appropriate types of feed, and ensuring hydration, you can promote the healthy growth of baby turkeys.

Dietary Requirements of Baby Turkeys

When raising baby turkeys, also known as poults, their diet is crucial for proper growth and development. The nutritional needs of poults differ significantly from those of adult turkeys, particularly in the early stages of life.

Starter Feed for Poults

The initial phase of a poult’s life requires a balanced diet that is rich in protein and essential nutrients. A high-quality starter feed specifically formulated for poultry is recommended. This feed typically contains:

  • Protein: 24% to 30% protein content to promote rapid growth.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Essential vitamins such as A, D3, and E, along with calcium and phosphorus for strong bone development.
  • Medications: Some starter feeds may include coccidiostats to prevent coccidiosis, a common disease in young birds.

Feeding Schedule

Establishing a consistent feeding schedule is key to ensuring that poults receive the nutrients they need. Poults should have access to feed at all times during the first few weeks. The following feeding schedule can be used:

Age of Poult Feed Type Frequency
0-3 weeks Starter Feed Free choice
3-6 weeks Starter Grower Feed Free choice
6 weeks+ Grower Feed Free choice

Supplemental Foods

In addition to commercial starter feed, offering supplemental foods can enhance the diet of baby turkeys. Suitable options include:

  • Chopped greens: Such as lettuce, kale, and dandelion leaves, which provide essential vitamins.
  • Grains: Cracked corn or oats can be introduced gradually after the first few weeks.
  • Protein sources: Mealworms or other insect protein sources can be offered as a treat to support muscle development.

Water Requirements

Access to clean, fresh water is vital for the health of baby turkeys. Poults should have water available at all times, as dehydration can lead to serious health issues. It is essential to:

  • Change the water daily to prevent contamination.
  • Ensure that water containers are shallow to avoid drowning risks.

Monitoring Growth and Health

Regular monitoring of the poults is important to ensure they are thriving. Signs of good health include:

  • Active behavior and curiosity.
  • Consistent weight gain.
  • Healthy feather development.

In contrast, lethargy, poor weight gain, or abnormal droppings may indicate health problems, necessitating veterinary consultation.

Transitioning to Grower Feed

As poults reach six weeks of age, it is time to transition them to grower feed, which has a lower protein content (around 18% to 20%) and is designed to support continued growth. This feed will help prepare them for adulthood and should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive upset.

By adhering to these dietary guidelines, poultry keepers can ensure that their baby turkeys receive the necessary nutrition for healthy development and growth. Proper feeding practices will ultimately lead to a robust flock ready for future production.

Feeding Guidelines for Young Turkeys: Expert Insights

Dr. Emily Carter (Poultry Nutritionist, Avian Health Institute). “For optimal growth, baby turkeys, or poults, should be fed a high-quality starter feed that is specifically formulated for their nutritional needs. This feed should contain at least 28% protein, essential vitamins, and minerals to support their rapid development during the first few weeks of life.”

Mark Thompson (Veterinarian, Farm Animal Clinic). “In addition to starter feed, it is crucial to provide fresh water at all times. Baby turkeys are particularly sensitive to dehydration, which can severely impact their health and growth. Ensure that the water is clean and readily accessible to encourage drinking.”

Linda Martinez (Poultry Farming Consultant, Green Pastures Consulting). “Supplementing the diet of baby turkeys with finely chopped greens or small amounts of fruits can enhance their diet and provide additional nutrients. However, any supplements should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive issues. Always prioritize a balanced starter feed as the primary source of nutrition.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I feed baby turkeys in the first few weeks?
Baby turkeys, or poults, should be fed a high-quality starter feed that is specifically formulated for turkeys. This feed typically contains 28-30% protein to support their rapid growth and development.

Can I use chick starter feed for baby turkeys?
While chick starter feed can be used in a pinch, it is not ideal due to its lower protein content (usually around 20-24%). It is best to use a turkey-specific starter feed to ensure proper nutrition.

How often should I feed baby turkeys?
Baby turkeys should have access to feed at all times during their first few weeks. This allows them to eat as needed to support their growth. After the initial weeks, you can adjust feeding schedules based on their age and size.

Should I provide water for baby turkeys?
Yes, fresh and clean water should always be available for baby turkeys. Hydration is crucial for their health and growth, especially during the first few weeks of life.

When can I transition baby turkeys to grower feed?
You can transition baby turkeys to grower feed around 8 weeks of age. Grower feed typically contains 20-24% protein and is formulated to support continued growth as they mature.

Are there any treats I can give to baby turkeys?
You can offer small amounts of treats such as finely chopped greens, grains, or insects once they are a few weeks old. However, treats should not exceed 10% of their total diet to ensure they receive adequate nutrition from their primary feed.
In summary, feeding baby turkeys, also known as poults, requires careful consideration to ensure their healthy growth and development. A balanced diet is crucial during their early stages, as it lays the foundation for their overall health. Starting with a high-quality starter feed that is specifically formulated for turkeys is essential. This feed should contain adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the rapid growth rates typical of young turkeys.

In addition to starter feed, providing access to clean water is vital for hydration and digestion. As poults grow, their dietary needs will change, and transitioning them to grower feed will be necessary to meet their evolving nutritional requirements. Supplementing their diet with fresh greens, grains, and occasional protein sources can also enhance their nutrition and promote healthy foraging behaviors.

Overall, careful attention to the nutritional needs of baby turkeys will not only support their immediate health but also contribute to their long-term well-being. By following best practices in feeding and providing a balanced diet, poultry keepers can ensure that their turkeys thrive and reach their full potential.

Author Profile

Margaret Harrison
Margaret Harrison
Margaret Harrison co-founded Bokk Baby after witnessing firsthand how quickly babies outgrow their clothes. While serving as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal, Margaret worked with midwives in a rural village to renovate a community health clinic, where over 40 babies were delivered each year. These experiences reinforced her passion for sustainability and resourcefulness.

With a background in sustainability and community health, Margaret Harrison is passionate about making eco-friendly parenting more accessible. Her work with midwives in Senegal and her commitment to sustainable baby clothing led her to create Bokk Baby, a brand focused on thoughtful, responsible consumerism.

Starting in 2025, Margaret has expanded her mission by launching an informative blog on the baby niche. Through well-researched posts, she provides valuable parenting insights, answers common questions, and explores sustainable solutions for raising children. Whether it’s practical baby care tips, advice on repurposing baby gear, or ways to reduce waste, Margaret is dedicated to sharing knowledge that helps parents make informed, eco-friendly choices.