Raisins are those particular soft gooey treats on yogurts that humans love to snack on from time to time.
As a flock owner, you might have wondered if it is okay to treat your birds with raisins from time to time.
The answer is yes, turkeys can eat raisins and it is safe and healthy for them to eat.
Raisins are basically dried grapes and naturally the nutritional value gotten from raisins is similar to that of grapes.
Let’s look at the health benefits of raisins to turkeys, how often you should feed them raisins, if turkey poults can eat raisins, raisin pie and how to feed raisins to turkeys.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Raisins To Turkeys?
- Fibre
Fiber is very beneficial to turkeys who are constipated.
Fiber is also necessary for a healthy digestive process and nutrient absorption. Raisins’ high fiber content can aid your flock in healthy weight gain.
As a result, raisins are an excellent treat for your turkeys.
- Folate
Folate is a form of folic acid that laying hens desperately require. Raisins are high in folates, which aid in the production of high-quality eggs by your hens.
It can also help increase reproduction and hatch rates. As a result, offer raisins as nutritious treats in exchange for high-quality eggs.
- Selenium
Raisins contain a lot of selenium. Selenium has been shown to reduce stress in turkeys, boost immunity, and improve meat quality.
- Calcium
Laying turkey hens require a lot of calcium as they grow bones, prepare for eggs, and age.
That is why we provide them with high-quality feed and oyster shells. However, it doesn’t hurt to include a few calcium-rich treats such as raisins in the mix as well.
- Iron
Anemia is a common problem in laying turkey hens. To combat this, most owners like to mix in a few high iron treats.
It’s also ideal for growing birds to help them develop strong muscles, red blood cells, and healthy bones.
Here is a comprehensive article I wrote on what do turkeys eat
How Often Should I Feed Them Raisins?
There is quite the controversy on whether it is alright to feed grapes and in extension raisins to animals including poultry birds.
It has been rumored that grapes are toxic to dogs and other pets and can cause kidney failures and seizures.
Research however, has dispelled this as untrue and it is perfectly safe for you to feed your turkeys grapes and raisins.
This doesn’t mean however that you should then go ahead and bombard them with lots of raisins.
The general rule for treats is that you should not feed more than 10% of a turkey’s normal diet.
However, this does not imply that you can feed your turkeys quite as many raisins as you want. As previously stated, raisins can be toxic in large quantities.
So, how much raisins should each turkey get?
In general, your turkeys should not consume more than a tablespoon of raisins or 10g of raisins per turkey.
And you should limit to a treat that would be fed to them once in a while.
Can Baby Turkeys Eat Raisins?
Raisins are perfectly fine for feeding turkey poults as long as they have reached a stage where it is safe for them to eat.
As game birds, turkey poults require more protein than some other poultry chicks and as such are usually fed on gamebird starter feed which has a protein content of about 28%.
This provides them with the nutrition they actually require.
Naturally, as they grow there will be a need to supplement their diet with fruits, vegetables and other healthy treats.
Ensure the poults are around 4 to 6 weeks before you start feeding them raisins.
In this time, their digestive systems would have acquired enough grit to help them digest food.
Since raisins are dry, soak them and let them get soft thoroughly before feeding them to the poults so they can eat it well.
Can Wild Turkeys Eat Raisins?
Wild turkeys can eat raisins. Wild turkeys are known as avid eaters who will not hesitate to eat any food that they can put past their beaks.
Wild turkeys will eat anything from berries, plants, leaves, seeds, acorns, insects, and fruits to mention a few.
If you have a flock of wild turkeys visiting regularly or you happen to be raising some then you can feed them raisins from time to time.
They will not hesitate to gobble it up. However remember to watch for how you feed them so their diet remains balanced.
Can Turkeys Eat Raisin Pie?
You can feed your turkeys kitchen leftovers of raisin pie if it is available but it is best to not make it a regular thing as the pie contains additives and ingredients which might not be healthy for your turkey in the long run.
Raisin pie usually involves ingredients such as sugar and salt which are quite okay for humans but not so much for turkeys.
It is okay if it is a once-in-a-while occurrence and it is always better to cook with the turkeys in mind if you intend to share with them.
Also here is an article I wrote on can turkeys eat radishes?
Things To Watch Out For Before Feeding Them Raisins
Due to the various rumors that have gone round about grapes and raisins it is always better to feed your turkeys raisins in moderation.
The sugar content in raisins is way higher than that found in normal grapes as it is a dried fruit.
This means that when given in excess, it is likely for your turkeys to get overweight and you do not want that.
You should also ensure that raisins are incorporated into their main diet so there is always a nutrient balance for them.
Raisins are dried and hard fruits so before feeding them to the turkeys ensure they are soaked so they can get soft and easily eat them.
How Can I Feed Raisins To My Turkeys?
Most turkey owners simply soak their raisins for a few hours to let them get soft before feeding to the turkeys.
You can mix the raisins in with their feed or add to their water bowl to make it even more flavorful.
You can also try out this tasty recipe called the Raisin, Cranberry and Peanut butter Cake
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of raisins
- 2 tablespoons of cranberries
- ½ cup of unsalted peanut butter
- 6 tablespoons of oats
- ½ cup of turkey starch feed
- ¼ cup of dried mealworms
Microwave the peanut butter until it is soft. Combine turkey feed, oats, mealworms, raisins, and cranberries in a mixing bowl.
Fill 6 cupcake liners with about 1/4 cup of the batter.
If desired, garnish with extra cranberries and oats. Freeze until solid. Remove from the cupcake liners and feed to the turkeys.
Conclusion
There has been quite a stink on whether it is grapes and in extension raisins should be fed to animals as it can be poisonous to them.
However, research has effectively dispelled such rumors and you should know it is safe to feed your turkeys raisins.
It is a safe and healthy snack for your flock and provides them with so many nutrients.
Now, it is important to restrict feeding your turkeys too much raisins as moderation is the key word here.
Soak your raisins before feeding to the turkeys to let it get all soft and if you have time you can make tasty treats for them which they’ll enjoy.
