Separate Feeding Stations

Set up dedicated feeding areas for turkeys and chickens, placing turkey feeders on elevated platforms 18-24 inches off the ground. Turkey poults require 28% protein starter feed and growing turkeys need 20-22% protein — substantially higher than the 16-18% in standard chicken feed. Preventing cross-feeding avoids nutritional deficiencies in turkeys and excess protein intake in chickens.

Why It Works

Turkeys and chickens have fundamentally different nutritional requirements. Turkey starter contains higher protein and specific amino acids critical for proper growth. Chickens eating high-protein turkey feed can develop kidney problems over time, while turkeys on chicken feed grow slowly and develop leg issues from protein deficiency. Elevating turkey feeders exploits the size difference — turkeys can reach elevated stations that most chickens cannot.

Tips

• Elevate turkey feeders to 18-24 inches, adjusting height as birds grow
• Use turkey-specific waterers with larger openings since turkeys have broader beaks and drink more per body weight
• Feed turkeys and chickens at different times if elevation alone does not prevent cross-feeding