Turkeys, whether wild or domestic, require specific diets to support their growth and health. Wild turkeys forage for a diverse array of natural foods, while domestic turkeys rely on carefully formulated feeds designed for efficient development.
The Omnivorous Nature of a Turkey’s Diet
Turkeys are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. They spend a significant portion of their day foraging, scratching at the ground and pecking to uncover hidden food items.
Their plant-based diet includes seeds, nuts, acorns, berries, buds, leaves, grains, grasses, and roots. To supplement this, turkeys actively hunt for animal matter. This includes insects like grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, as well as small invertebrates such as snails and worms. Occasionally, they may also consume small vertebrates like lizards, frogs, or even snakes.
Dietary Differences: Wild vs. Domestic Turkeys
The dietary habits of wild and domestic turkeys contrast due to their living conditions. Wild turkeys are opportunistic foragers, consuming a wide variety of foods found in their natural habitats, reflecting seasonal availability.
Domestic turkeys are typically raised in controlled environments and fed commercially prepared diets. These feeds are precisely formulated for rapid growth and development. Key ingredients commonly include mixed grains and oilseeds, such as:
- Corn
- Soybean meal
- Wheat
- Barley
- Canola
These feeds also often contain a small percentage of animal protein, like meat and bone meal, to ensure adequate protein, calorie, mineral, and fat content. Poults, or young turkeys, receive a “starter” mixture with higher protein levels, adjusted as they mature to match changing nutritional requirements.
Seasonal and Habitat Influences on Wild Turkey Foraging
Wild turkeys adapt their foraging strategies and diets based on seasonal changes and habitat characteristics. In spring, as new growth emerges, turkeys consume fresh shoots, grasses, and other green vegetation. Insects also become more prevalent, forming a larger part of their diet and providing essential protein for nesting hens.
Summer offers a bounty of food, with a wide variety of edible plants and a peak in insect populations. Berries and fruits become available, providing sugars and other nutrients. As fall approaches, wild turkeys shift their focus to energy-dense foods, particularly hard mast like acorns, beech nuts, hickory nuts, and pecans, for building fat reserves for winter. During colder winter months, when food is scarcer, they rely on remaining nuts, seeds, and waste grains in agricultural fields, sometimes scratching through snow for sustenance.
Nutritional Needs for Turkey Health
Regardless of their environment, turkeys require a balanced intake of specific nutrients to maintain health, support growth, and enable various bodily functions. Protein is a primary requirement, particularly for young turkeys (poults) who need high levels for rapid growth and feather development. Carbohydrates, found in grains like corn and wheat, provide the energy for their daily activities and growth.
Fats are another energy source, supplying concentrated calories and supporting healthy skin and feathers. Beyond macronutrients, turkeys also need a range of vitamins and minerals. Essential vitamins include:
- D3
- E
- Niacin
- B6
- B12
These are important for bone health, immune function, metabolism, and red blood cell formation. Essential minerals include:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Magnesium
These are essential for strong bones, eggshell formation, and overall physiological processes.