Turkey nutrition — protein and energy (hens vs toms)
The turkey is a bird that grows very fast and needs a lot of protein — more than a chicken. We explain how to change feed every few weeks, why toms and hens are best fed separately, which amino acids (the building blocks of protein) matter most, and how to manage water in turkey nutrition.
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The turkey grows fast — especially the breast muscles. That demands a great deal of protein in the feed, particularly at the start of rearing. As the bird gets older it needs less protein but more energy to deposit fat and finish growing. This is the basis of multiphase feeding. This guide is part of the turkey cluster — you can find the full picture in the guide on turkey farming.
Where do the numbers in this guide come from?
The protein and energy ranges given here are INDICATIVE — based on IZ-PIB "Normy żywienia drobiu" (2025) and Aviagen Turkeys Nutrient Specifications / Growing Commercial Turkeys (CL23). The exact values depend on the genetic line, poult supplier, rearing programme and farm conditions. Always consult your feed supplier or animal nutritionist. The full guide to the first days of rearing is at turkey rearing — the first days.
Multiphase turkey feeding — how the feed changes every few weeks
Turkey feeding typically uses 5–6 feeds with different compositions. High protein at the start, then progressively less — but more energy. Indicative values from IZ-PIB and Aviagen Turkeys*.
Starter feed (approx. weeks 0–4)
Poults need a great deal of protein because they are building muscle rapidly. Protein in starter feed is indicatively about 26–28%. The feed takes the form of crumble (finely crushed pellets) — easier for a small poult to swallow. Amino acids (the building blocks from which protein is made), especially lysine and methionine (the most important amino acids), must be present from the very beginning. More on rearing: turkey rearing — the first days.
Grower 1 feed (approx. weeks 4–8)
The bird is growing intensively. Protein drops indicatively to about 24–26%. Feed form — still crumble or fine pellet. At this stage the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio matters because the skeleton must keep pace with muscle growth.
Grower 2 feed (approx. weeks 8–12)
Growth continues, but the turkey is already larger. Protein drops indicatively to about 20–22%. Energy in the feed rises slowly. The pellet is coarser — the bird can now swallow it without difficulty. Monitor litter condition and gut health, as turkeys at this age are still sensitive. More: turkey gut health.
Grower 3 feed (approx. weeks 12–16)
This phase is characteristic mainly of toms (males), which grow longer. Protein drops indicatively to about 18–20%. Energy continues to rise. Hens (females) at this age are often closer to slaughter — in lighter rearing programmes they may receive a feed with a slightly different composition.
Finisher feed (a few weeks before slaughter)
Protein falls indicatively to about 14–16%. Energy is at its highest in the whole programme — the turkey is depositing fat and finishing growth. Finisher feed must meet withdrawal-period requirements (pre-slaughter withdrawal of medicines and any additives). Check requirements with your feed supplier and veterinarian.
Toms and hens are best fed separately
Toms (males) grow longer, are heavier and have different nutritional needs from hens (females). When mixed, some birds are overfed and others underfed. That is why professional rearing keeps them in separate flocks with separate feed programmes. If separation is impossible, use a feed matched to the needs of the larger sex in the flock and consult a nutritionist.
What turkeys need at every stage — calcium, D3, water and grit
Protein and energy are not everything. These four elements determine bone health, digestion and flock condition.
Calcium and phosphorus — for strong bones
Turkeys grow fast and the bones must keep up with the muscles. A calcium deficiency or a poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio weakens the skeleton and can lead to leg problems. Supply calcium and available phosphorus according to your feed supplier's recommendations, as they depend on the phase and the phosphorus source.
Vitamin D3 — without it bones bend
Vitamin D3 helps the intestine absorb calcium from feed. Its deficiency causes soft bones and bent legs in turkeys — one of the more common health problems in fast-growing birds. More on leg issues: bent legs in turkeys (TD). D3 comes from the feed — a bird in a closed house gets no sunlight.
Grit — helps the gizzard grind the feed
The gizzard (the muscular stomach of the bird) grinds feed before further digestion. Grit — fine stones given to turkeys — helps the gizzard work more effectively. Particularly important with pelleted feeds and on litter. It is given as a supplement alongside clean water and feed.
Water — a turkey drinks 1.5–2× more than it eats
A bird drinks about 1.5–2 times more water than it eats feed (by weight). A lack of clean water is one of the fastest ways to cause problems with feed intake and growth. Check drinker cleanliness daily, and watch water temperature especially in summer. Norms for the number of drinkers: drinkers and feeders for turkeys.
Frequently asked questions about turkey nutrition
How much protein does a turkey need in starter feed?add
Indicatively about 26–28% crude protein in starter feed (weeks 0–4), according to IZ-PIB Normy żywienia drobiu 2025 and Aviagen Turkeys. The exact value depends on the genetic line and rearing programme. Always consult your feed supplier.
Why does protein in turkey feed decrease with age?add
A young turkey builds muscle intensively and needs many amino acids — the building blocks from which protein is made. An older bird grows more slowly and needs more energy (fats, starch) to deposit fat and finish growing. That is why starter feed contains about 26–28% protein while finisher feed contains only about 14–16%.
What are amino acids and why are lysine and methionine important?add
Amino acids are the building blocks from which the bird's body protein is made. Lysine and methionine (the most important amino acids) are limiting — if they are absent from the feed, the bird cannot build muscle even if total protein is sufficient. That is why a good turkey feed contains carefully balanced amino acids, not just crude protein.
Can toms and hens eat the same feed?add
They can, but it is not optimal. Toms (males) are heavier, grow longer and have different needs from hens (females). Professional rearing keeps them in separate flocks with separate feed programmes. If you must keep them together, match the feed to the needs of the more numerous sex and consult a nutritionist.
How do I switch feed gradually between phases?add
A sudden feed change is a stress for the bird and can reduce feed intake for a few days. Transitions are therefore made gradually — over 2–4 days, mixing old and new feed in increasing proportions of the new until it completely replaces the old. Monitor feed intake and litter condition during the transition.
Why do turkeys need grit?add
Grit — small stones — enters the gizzard (the turkey's muscular stomach) and helps it grind feed grains and pellets. Without it, this part of digestion works less effectively. In litter rearing grit is given as a supplement, especially with pelleted feed.
Why does a vitamin D3 deficiency cause bent legs in turkeys?add
Vitamin D3 is needed for the intestine to absorb calcium from feed. Without D3 even good calcium-containing feed does not help. Bones remain soft and legs bend under the weight of the rapidly growing body. Turkeys in closed houses have no access to sunlight (which in outdoor animals helps synthesise D3), so they must receive it through feed.
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