They are omnivores, which means that turkeys will consume (or at least try to eat) whatever they can find.
Insects and grubs, veggies, and seeds are just some of the foods that turkeys can locate on their own when roaming the yard.
It is practically impossible to limit the variety of veggies you can feed your turkeys.
Turkeys appreciate a wide array of foods, whether they are from your garden, your fridge, or your local grocery stores produce trimmings.
Examples of vegetables that can be included in a healthy diet include bok choy, spinach, endive, beet greens, cabbage, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, sliced cucumbers; tomatoes; swiss chard; maize; and boiled potatoes.
What Kind Of Vegetables Can Turkeys Eat?
This is a list of some of the veggies that turkeys can consume.
- Broccoli: Your birds can safely eat broccoli. This type of plant provides a wide variety of vitamins that are useful to your flock, just like any other vegetable. So if you’re looking to give your turkeys a healthy treat, this is an excellent option.
- Celery: this is an excellent provider of essential nutrients, and it’s a delightful vegetable in its own right. Vitamin B2, B6, C, and K are abundant in this food. These foods also contain minerals such as molybdenum and a variety of other trace elements, such as potassium, calcium, and sodium. Despite the fact that this may not be one of your turkey’s favorite treats, it is extremely helpful to their health.
- Asparagus: In terms of nutritional content, asparagus is a one-stop-shop. Vitamins and fiber are plentiful in this food. There is a chance that your turkeys won’t eat it as much as you’d want. But if they do eat, be careful to give them only a small amount of this food at a time. It can alter the flavor of eggs if used in excess.
- Mustard greens: It is also a good idea to give your bird mustard greens. Turkeys can benefit from eating mustard greens. They can also aid in improving the skin health of the turkeys and increase their fertility. Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6 are found in them. In order for turkeys to utilize amino acids effectively, vitamin B6 is required. Turkeys also need it for their nervous systems to function properly. Spasms and convulsions may occur in turkeys that are low in certain nutrients.
- Cabbage: For your turkeys, cabbage is one of the most important foods to have. Vitamins and trace minerals are found in high concentrations in this type of vegetable.
- Cucumber: cucumber is good for your turkeys, especially during the hottest months of the year. Because of the high water content, this treat is ideal for keeping your turkeys cool and hydrated on hot days. Cucumbers also include a variety of nutrients, including anti-inflammatory qualities and a wealth of minerals and vitamins.
- Pumpkins: Pumpkins are not only one of the most delicious occasional treats for turkeys, but they also have medical benefits. Their seeds can help you keep worms out of your turkeys. In addition, this type of food will keep your birds occupied for a long time.
- Carrots: Carrots can be fed raw or cooked to your birds. There is a lot of goodness in this type of meal. Don’t feed canned carrots to your turkeys, though; they’re high in salt and should be avoided.
What Are the Health Benefits of Vegetables to Turkeys?
Here are some health benefits of vegetables to your turkeys.
- Improve turkey’s digestion
Certain veggies, such as asparagus and carrots, are high in fiber. Fiber is necessary for a healthy digestive tract.
Additionally, turkeys require a high-fiber diet; this diet protects turkeys against digestive disorders such as constipation or an irritable stomach.
- Prevent your turkey from dehydration
Some, like cucumbers, contain a high proportion of water. It includes up to 95% water.
Therefore, it can assist in maintaining proper hydration levels in your chickens. This is especially noticeable during the hot period when they are prone to dehydration.
- Prevent cell damage
Antioxidants are naturally found in the body. They help fight against and prevent free radicals. Some of these vegetables provide antioxidants for these birds.
- Promote good eyesight
Due to their beta carotene content, vegetables such as mustard greens and carrots are good sources of vitamin A.
These nutrients are critical for maintaining optimal eye health. Vitamin A insufficiency has been linked to night blindness.
Additionally, it interferes with normal chemical reactions. And these exercises all contribute to maintaining healthy eyesight.
- Increases immunity
Carrots include vitamin A, which offers another health advantage. Turkeys’ immune systems are bolstered by the vitamin.
It also safeguards them against infectious infections. These nutrients work by boosting the body’s defenses.
Here is a comprehensive article I wrote on what to feed turkeys
How Often Should I Feed Them Vegetables?
You can feed turkey vegetables every day. However. Not in too much quantity. Also, it’s best not to feed them vegetables alone.
Their feeds can be mixed up to get the maximum nutritional benefit.
Can Baby Turkeys Eat Vegetables?
Baby turkeys cannot eat vegetables until they are older as they can cause diarrhea.
Can Wild Turkeys Eat Vegetables?
Wild turkeys are opportunistic omnivores, which means they will quickly taste a variety of animal and vegetable meals.
They forage regularly and consume a wide variety of foods. In addition, they consume a variety of plants, including all of their parts.
Can Turkeys Eat Beet Greens?
Yes, similar to a variety of vegetables. This includes the crowns, leaves, and stems, as well as the primary beet or beetroot.
Beets are nutrient-dense. Not only does the vegetable’s root contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; the leaves also include a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Can Turkeys Eat Collard Greens?
Collard greens are a favorite of turkeys, and the good news is that they are also very good for them. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin K are all present.
All three nutrients aid in the formation of strong bones and eggshells in turkeys.
Things to Watch Out for Before Feeding Them Vegetables?
It’s best for your turkey’s fresh vegetables as they will still contain most of their nutrients.
Also, if you are using any canned veggies, check that it is organic to avoid causing discomfort for your birds.
Also check out this article on can turkeys eat eggs
How Can I Feed Vegetables to My Turkeys?
Turkeys can be fed vegetables raw or cooked. All that matters is that they are thoroughly washed and chopped into smaller bits for the birds to pick them up easily.
Some veggies must be cooked before feeding your birds, so avoid overcooking them to preserve the nutritional content.
Also, you can mix up some veggies for your turkeys.
Conclusion
Turkeys can eat a wide range of vegetables. These birds actually know what is good for them and won’t eat anything bad.
All these veggies offer different nutritional benefits to turkeys.
