Turkeys are characterized by their broad fan-shaped tails and short, rounded wings. They also have bare heads and necks.
They may be a valuable asset to your farm. However, they are frequently raised as pets or for meat.
These magnificent birds, however, are not picky eaters. They are known to eat a wide variety of foods.
Unlike some other birds, they eat mostly vegetation and very few insects. Pet turkeys have been observed eating human foods such as fruits and eggs.
However, you may wonder what else to feed these winged creatures. So, how about nuts? Can turkeys eat nuts? Let’s find that out.
Can Turkeys Eat Nuts?
Yes, Turkeys can eat a variety of nuts. Turkey’s are quite fond of nuts. They would quickly consume any type of nuts such as beechnuts, pecans, hickory nuts, acorns, and many more.
Nuts are very reliable food source for turkeys.
Additionally, they are highly nutritious. But just like every other bird treat, turkeys should be fed nuts occasionally.
Want to find out more about feeding nuts to turkeys? Well, keep reading.
What Kind Of Nuts Can I Feed Turkeys?
Nuts are fruits that are made of tough outer shells protecting an edible kernel. Nuts are typically regarded as a safe food source for birds.
They are also very reliable. There are several different varieties of nuts that are popular and good for turkeys. They including;
• Acorns: Wild Turkeys like these nuts. Turkeys eat acorns in the fall and winter.
• Almonds: Almonds are an excellent source of protein for turkeys. They are edible seeds. Turkeys love these nuts.
• Beechnuts: This is an important nutrient-dense diet for wild turkeys. Beechnuts include nutrients that are proven to boost turkeys’ immune systems and improve the quality of their skin and feathers.
• Brazil nuts: Brazil nuts are a great source of energy for turkeys. Brazil nuts are said to reduce inflammation. They are also a wonderful source of healthy fats.
• Hickory nuts: Hickory nuts are a fantastic appetizer for turkeys. Hickory trees are known to produce hard, husked-covered nuts. Turkeys adore hickory nuts. They are calorie-dense wild nuts.
• Macadamia nuts: These nuts are abundant in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Macadamia nuts are safe for turkeys to eat.
• Peanuts: Peanuts in shells and peanut pieces are greatly loved by Turkeys. They provide several health benefits to turkeys. They are a great source of energy and calories.
• Pecan nuts: Turkeys can eat pecans raw or unshelled with no coatings. These nuts are high in fat, protein, and minerals.
• Pine nuts: Pine nuts are an excellent natural nut to provide to your turkeys. These nuts are nutrient-dense and safe for birds.
• Walnuts: Walnuts are a natural source of protein for turkeys. They are high in nutrients, making them suitable for turkeys.
However, there are several items you should never feed your turkeys, such as low-quality dairy products, onions, raw meat, chocolate, and eggplant leaves.
Here is a huge list of foods and treats that you can feed your turkeys with
What Are The Health Benefits Of Nuts To Turkeys?
As previously said, nuts provide a wide range of benefits for turkeys. Among them are,
High vitamin nutrients: Nuts are high in vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, lipids, copper, magnesium, and selenium.
However, not all nuts have the same quantities of vitamins and minerals. The nutrient content of nuts varies.
Antioxidants: According to research, nuts are high in antioxidants. Polyphenols, for example, are antioxidants that relieve stress by neutralizing free radicals.
These antioxidants protect turkey cells against free radicals. They have also been shown to protect delicate fats.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Inflammation is the process by which the body’s white blood cells defend it against foreign intruders.
These intruders are potentially hazardous diseases such as bacteria.
According to research, nuts can help lower inflammation in turkey. They also support healthy birdlife.
Rich protein content: Nuts have high protein content. Protein is required for proper turkey development and growth
To gain body mass in a short period, turkeys require protein. Proteins are also required for the production of eggs.
It also boosts their immune system and helps them adapt to their surroundings.
Rich in fiber: This fiber aids in the reduction of harmful cholesterol levels in turkey. Fiber aids in the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract in turkeys.
Fiber also serves as a good source of food for microorganisms in the stomach. As a result, you can be confident that your turkey is in good health.
Contains healthy fats: Nuts are one of the healthiest fat sources to serve to turkey. Turkeys require vital fatty acids to restore and regenerate their tissues.
Nuts are an excellent source of fat for turkey. Fats help in the absorption of vitamin D.
Fats also assist to keep turkey feathers and skins healthy. They aid in the preservation of their body heat during cold weather.
How Often Should I Feed Them Nuts?
Nuts should be fed to turkeys once or twice a week. Feeding them nuts frequently can lead to obesity and other harmful diseases.
Therefore, turkeys should not be fed a nut-only diet.
Nuts should be offered to turkeys in moderation. In addition, they should be served to turkeys in small portion sizes.
Perhaps in a reasonable quantity for nut-loving turkeys.
Nuts are popular as a winter food source for wild birds. This is because they are long-lasting and durable.
Turkey can store and hide nuts. During times of food scarcity, they thrive on hidden nuts.
When nuts are uneaten, they grow into trees and shrubs. This gives wild turkeys and other birds an advantage.
Can Baby Turkeys Eat Nuts?
Poults can have nuts incorporated into their diet as well. However, nuts should be offered in small portions. Poults can also be offered leftover or cooked nuts.
It is important not to feed them moldy nuts. Nuts like acorns and hickory nuts should be crushed before serving to poults.
Poults eat a variety of diets such as berries, seeds, and insects.
Do Turkeys Eat Walnut?
Turkeys can and do eat walnuts. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fat. Walnuts are good for the skin and feathers of turkeys. Walnuts contribute to their overall health.
Walnuts are extremely energizing to turkeys because of their high-calorie content. This keeps your turkey busy throughout the day.
Furthermore, walnuts have a high concentration of minerals and vitamins. They also have a high concentration of copper, phosphorus, manganese, and vitamins.
They also have the benefit of being able to be stored for an extended length of time. Because of this distinguishing feature, they are readily available during times of food scarcity.
Can Wild Turkey Eat Peanuts?
When in doubt, serve peanuts. They are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are extremely nutrient-rich.
They provide energy for Turkey especially during cold nights
It is highly recommended to serve turkey peanuts. Interestingly, these nuts are an absolute delight to turkeys.
They can be easily and readily made available. However, it is important not to serve turkey sweetened and salted peanuts.
In addition, raw peanuts with green skins should not be served to turkeys as well.
Things To Watch Out For Before Feeding Them Nuts
Regardless of nuts being a safe food for turkeys, there are a few things to keep in mind such as ;
- Nuts can pose choking hazards to Turkeys. These can be severe in young Turkeys. It is safer to offer them split nuts. Split nuts are safe and easier to swallow.
- Before serving nuts, it is safe to choose the right feeders.
- Water should be kept close. All water sources should be clean and readily accessible. Turkeys that are on a nut diet require more water.
- Salted and sweetened nuts should not be served to turkeys. They are harmful to Turkeys.
- Do not offer Turkeys spoilt nuts. They are less appealing and do not have nutritious content. In addition, they are harmful to turkeys.
How Can I Feed Nuts To My Turkeys?
There are several ways to feed nuts to turkeys. Nuts can be offered to your Turkey in whole forms, nut butter, chopped, and sprinkled on food.
Turkeys can also be offered roasted nuts without seasonings. Here are some recipes to consider;
1. Recipes for making nut suets for birds
Melt lard, in a saucepan. Combine chopped nuts with the lard. Any nut, such as walnuts, peanuts, or almonds, can be used.
You can add chopped fruits such as cherries, blueberries, and cranberries.
Adding a cup of cornmeal or oatmeal would also be nice. Allow mixture to cool then, serve to your turkey.
2. Recipe for turkey nut snacks
Mix a handful of unsalted nuts and raisins. Add ¼ cup of sugar to the mixture. Half a cup of cornmeal should also be added.
Then, add a cup of birdseed to the mixture as well.
Add eight ounces of peanut butter to the mixture. To keep the mixture together, add some bacon drippings. Ensure that the bacon is unsalted.
Finally, cut into desired shape and place in the freezer for a while before serving your turkey.
Conclusion
Nuts are a great food source to serve your Turkeys. Nuts like walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, almonds, and many others can be offered to your turkeys.
Nuts are natural nutrient-dense food that offers many great benefits to Turkeys. However, they should be offered to turkeys in moderation.
