Can Turkeys Eat Watermelon? A Complete Guide

Animal caregivers know that providing residents with an appropriate diet is a fundamental component of responsible care. Unfortunately, for some species, it can be difficult to find information regarding the nutrients they need outside of the context of commodification. Such is the case with turkeys. Almost all of the available information is focused on “productivity” and not what turkeys need to live long, healthy lives. This is especially true of large breed turkeys who have been bred to grow so large they can no longer mate naturally. Just as with large breed chickens, the available information on turkey diets focuses on rapid growth and profit margins. Because of the lack of scientifically-proven recommendations for sanctuary turkey residents, it can be difficult to know exactly what and how much to feed individual turkeys. In this resource, we will look at a combination of anecdotal information from the sanctuary community and industry recommendations for turkeys forced into breeding, since efforts are made to prevent obesity in those individuals.

Stay Tuned For Updates! Though we don’t have as much information regarding diet recommendations as we would like, we recognize that in this case, something is better than nothing. With such a dearth of information, we hope that offering a few options to consider is helpful. As we gather more information from the sanctuary community, we will update this resource accordingly. If you have information you feel should be included, please get in touch!

This Information Does Not Pertain To Chicks! Turkey chicks have their own unique nutritional needs that are not discussed below. For information on appropriate diets for turkey chicks, check out our resource here.

A Note From The Open Sanctuary Project Please note that while this resource will discuss industry-based recommendations, this is only to contextualize our recommendations for sanctuary turkey residents. The Open Sanctuary Project does not support the commodification, exploitation, or use of any animals for human desires.

Industry-based information suggests that turkeys require more protein than chickens, and most commercial foods formulated for turkeys have a much higher percentage of protein than foods intended for chickens. However, lower protein diets are usually recommended for sanctuary avian residents, where the goal is health and longevity rather than exploitation and rapid growth. When discussing the nutritional needs of sanctuary turkeys with avian nutritionists or other experts, they often reference “breeder” recommendations, which are different from the recommendations for turkeys who are being raised for their flesh. While the recommendations for turkeys raised for breeding purposes are not a perfect match with what sanctuary residents need, when it comes to protein, it can be a good point of reference.

While many commercial foods labeled specifically for turkeys have a protein content of 20% or higher, according to Nutrient Requirements Of Poultry, after turkeys reach 16 weeks of age, those who will be used for breeding should be maintained on a different diet than those being raised for their flesh, so as to reduce the risk of obesity. They recommend a 12% protein diet for these individuals during the time before females start laying eggs and a 14% protein diet once they begin to lay.

Suggestions For Food Storage

In addition to feeding a high quality food, you must be sure to store the food properly to ensure your residents reap all the nutritional benefits. Food will keep best if stored in a cool, dry, dark place. All food, including unopened bags, should be stored in tightly sealed metal cans or bins to prevent rodents from getting into food.

You can contact the supplier to determine their food’s recommended shelf life, but in general, properly stored bagged food will last about 3 months. Storing food too long or in undesirable conditions can not only lead to rancid or moldy food, but can also cause food to become depleted of vitamins and minerals. Be aware that you should never feed rancid or moldy food to residents as it can make them very sick.

Feeding Large Breed Turkeys

While non-large breed turkeys tend to do best on a free-choice diet, healthy, adult large breed turkeys will absolutely need to have their diet restricted to prevent obesity and other health challenges. However, the amount they will need to eat will vary depending on the individual. While most people think of Broad-Breasted White turkeys when they think of large breed turkeys, this is not the only breed that falls into the large breed category. Some breeders have created hybrid breeds who, while resembling smaller non-large breeds such as the Midget White in stature, more closely resemble Broad Breasted turkeys in terms of their disproportionately large breast and propensity for overeating. These individuals will require less food than a larger turkey, and females will typically require less food than males of the same breed.

Because of this, and because there is not a universal standard when it comes to a healthy body condition for large breed sanctuary turkeys, it is difficult to give a specific food amount to recommend. If you are able to supplement their primary food with fresh greens, such as kale, or other produce (more on this below), you should be able to feed slightly less primary food than if you did not supplement (while keeping them similarly satiated).

Over the years, many sanctuary caregivers have been reducing the amount of food being fed to both large breed turkeys and large breed chickens and reassessing what they consider a healthy body weight and body condition. Depending on the size and sex of the individual, as well as the type of food and whether or not they receive supplemental produce, we’ve heard of sanctuaries feeding anywhere between about ⅔ cup (especially for smaller females) and 2.5 cups (for large males) of food per day, split into at least two well spaced out meals. We realize this is a pretty wide range; some caregivers may feel that the lower end is too low or the higher end is too high, and for many individuals, they may be right. It’s important to find what works best for the individuals in your care, and watch closely for signs they are too heavy, too thin, or showing signs of a nutritional deficiency.

We recommend tracking each turkey resident’s weight monthly and considering it in the context of their general body condition and comfort. Turkeys who are overweight may stand with their legs splayed and may display greater effort when walking (though this could also be the result of an unrelated mobility issue). A very prominent keel would be a sign that they are underweight. By tracking their weight and observing their body condition, you will likely get a sense of what is a healthy weight range for each individual in your care. If you find that your residents are gaining or losing weight, adjust their food as needed, but keep in mind that small fluctuations in weight are normal. Don’t automatically adjust their food every time their weight changes. Instead, track weight trends and make adjustments slowly. You may find that you need to reduce their portion sizes during the seasons when there is more grass or other vegetation for them to eat in their outdoor space.

In addition to evaluating their weight and body condition, also consider their general behavior and feather condition. If you see that their feathers are curly or don’t appear healthy following a molt, this could be related to their diet. If, especially following a change in their diet, you observe that one of your residents appears cranky, agitated, or dull, or if they appear to be more interested in eating non-food items (including their feathers or those of their companions), these could also be indicators that something is amiss with their diet (but could also be related to certain health challenges). Work with your veterinarian to rule out non-diet related causes and then make adjustments to their diet, watching closely to see if the issues resolve.

Turkeys Come Running for Watermelon || ViralHog

FAQ

What should you not feed turkeys?

The only things we DO NOT feed the birds is other bird meat, potato peelings and egg shells. From what we have witnessed the turkey’s and the chicken’s favorite meat is pork, they will fight over anything pasta and they all chase the bird that has the tasty mouse! Bon Apetite!

Can poultry eat watermelon?

Watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries make healthy snacks for chickens when fed in moderation. A few flock favorites include: Vegetables: Lettuce, beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, swiss chard, squash, pumpkins and cucumbers. Herbs: Lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, cilantro, thyme and basil.

What are turkey’s favorite treats?

• Kale.
• Lettuces (avoid iceberg)
• Cabbage.
• Cucumber.
• Zucchini.
• Summer squash.
• Cooked sweet potato.
• Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries.

What can make turkey not to eat?

In a young turkey like that this could be internal parasites, especially coccidiosis. It could also be that he ate something affecting his GI tract. If he isn’t eating much his crop at the base of his neck should be empty or just have fluid.

Can turkeys eat watermelon?

Many kinds of melons are a hydrating treat for domestic turkeys, specifically watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. All are also a great source of nutrition. Most contain a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, which support immune health. Feed sparingly, as they are juicy and sugary.

Can you eat watermelon every day?

Yes, you can eat watermelon every day if you’d like. Watermelon is a healthy fruit that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, watermelon is a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to several health benefits. However, as with any food, it’s important to moderate your consumption if you’re prone to digestive issues. If you have any concerns about your diet, it’s best to speak with a registered dietitian or your doctor.

Can turkeys eat fruit?

Yes, turkeys can eat all kinds of fruit. Fruit is a healthy and wholesome addition to a turkey’s diet, but all fruits are very sugary and so must be fed on a limited basis in small quantities to avoid trouble. Can Turkeys Eat Garlic?

Can turkeys eat pumpkin?

Pumpkin is an excellent food choice for turkeys! Pumpkin provides a wealth of nutritional benefits, including lots of vitamin A, C, and E. Additionally, pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion, without being too moist or sugary. Turkeys love it, and it is seriously good for them.

Can one eat watermelon on a kidney diet?

It depends on the stage of the disease. Watermelon is a fruit with protective properties against kidney disease and helps keep urine clean, as it has diuretic properties. In addition, it also has steroids and alkanes as the main constituents of the pulp, which could help prevent kidney stone formation. However, if you have advanced kidney disease, you should not consume watermelon as it is rich in potassium.

Can turkeys eat kiwi fruit?

Yes, they sure can. Turkeys can eat kiwi fruit with the skin on or removed. Turkeys love these little green fruits and they are very nutritious, but also very sweet, so save them as treats. Can Turkeys Eat Marigolds? Yes, turkeys can eat marigolds. The stems, petals, heads and other parts of the flower are safe for them to eat and nutritious.