Can Anyone Share Tips for Caring for 8 Week Old Turkey Poults?

Turkey Breeds
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Seeking Guidance on Turkey Poult Care

I recently got some 8 week old turkey poults and I’m looking for some guidance on how to take care of them properly during this critical period of their growth. I’ve done a bit of research, but I’d love to hear from others who have experience raising poults.

Feeding

I understand that at this age, they require a specific diet to ensure they grow healthy and strong.

  • What type of feed is best?
  • How often should I feed them?

Housing

I’ve also been wondering about their housing needs.

  • What temperature should I keep them in?
  • How much space do they need?
  • Should I keep them inside, or can they go outside?

Behavior and Sexing

Additionally, as they are growing, I’ve noticed some different behaviors and I’m curious about how to determine their sex.

  • Are there any signs I should look out for?
  • When can I accurately sex them?

General Tips

If anyone has any general tips about caring for 8 week old turkey poults, that would be greatly appreciated. From what I’ve read, they can be a bit different from chickens, so I want to make sure I’m doing it right. Any pointers, resources, or personal experiences you can share would be really helpful!

Thanks in advance for your help!

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When caring for 8-week-old turkey poults, it’s crucial to provide a high-protein feed (around 24% protein) to support growth. Medical-grade turkey starter feed is specifically tailored for their needs.

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Thanks for sharing, Justin! I also recommend supplementing with some greens. They seem to love clover and dandelion leaves!

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Definitely! It’s also important to have clean, fresh water available at all times. The poults need to stay hydrated, especially as they grow.

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Agreed! I’ve noticed healthier growth when I keep their water clean and topped up regularly.

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Do you guys have a feeding schedule? I usually feed them three times a day, but I’m wondering if that’s optimal.

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I’ve been doing four meals a day to promote steady growth. They seem to prefer it!

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What about treats? Are there any safe options for young poults? I don’t want to compromise their nutrition.

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Good question! I’ve given mine a bit of scratch grains as a treat, but sparingly. I think too much can mess with their diet.

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Make sure to limit any treats to less than 5% of their diet to avoid any nutritional imbalance. It’s all about balance!

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That reminds me—avoid feeding them bread. It’s not great for their digestive systems.

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Is there a best age to switch feeds? I heard they should transition to a lower protein feed after a while.

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You’re right! Around 8-10 weeks, I usually switch to a grower feed with about 20% protein.

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That’s helpful! Just make sure you’re mixing those feeds gradually to avoid any digestive issues.

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Good tip! It’s like trying to switch a toddler from milk to solid food—got to take it slow!

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Absolutely! My poults gawk at anything that’s not their usual feed. Sometimes, I think they need a cooking show!

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Speaking of switches—did anyone have issues with picky eaters? Mine seem a bit fussy after I changed their feed recently.

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It’s important to provide a warm and safe environment for your turkey poults. Aim for temperatures around 90-95°F for the first few weeks, gradually reducing this as they grow. Use a heat lamp to maintain warmth.

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Totally agree, and don’t forget that good ventilation is key! Stagnant air can lead to respiratory issues.

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I prefer using pine shavings for bedding. They absorb moisture well and provide a comfortable surface. Just ensure it’s not too dusty!