Feed for table birds???

Hi everyone, I've just hatched some chicks in the last few days that will be destined for the table. At the moment i've just got them on the normal chick crumbs but as they get older what should i be feeding them to get the most out of them? I think i read somewhere that they get fed on Turkey feed because of the higher protein content but to be honest i've not got a clue and would really appreciate a bit of advice from someone with a bit of experiance in this field.

Many thanks

Brad

I have no idea of whether its true or not but I asked a shop assistant about turkey feed for future reference and he said only licensed  places can sell it or something to that effect. apparently its got something in it.

But like I said - no idea if its true. maybe someone with a bit more knowledge will be able to help.

Yes we do Joy, but we don't feed turkey food to the table birds!  :happy:

We feed them on growers or rearers feed depending on which make it is, they call it by different names, but as it has acs in it to help prevent coccidiosis, for the last week before they are culled, we put them onto layers pellets which has no medication in it, or sometimes just mixed corn or wheat, but often, if the crop splits when Brian is gutting them, there is still corn in the crop.

So you shouldn't feed them for the 24 hours before culling.

Hi Brad, although some people do feet a turkey starter to their meat birds, as it is so high in protein it can cause too rapid weight gain for the immature skeleton, which can cause leg problems in the short term, and heart attacks in the longer term.

There is no rush to get them to the table.  Feeding growers, should result in a table ready bird at 12-14 weeks depending on breed