Grapes are a popular fruit that many people enjoy, both raw and in products like jams, jellies, juice, wine, and raisins. But can our feathered friends also eat grapes? Let’s take a look at whether or not turkeys can and should eat grapes.
Can Turkeys Eat Grapes?
Yes, turkeys can eat grapes in moderation Both wild and domesticated turkeys will eat grapes if given the chance Grapes are safe for turkeys to consume.
However, grapes should only be an occasional treat, not a regular part of their diet This is because grapes have high sugar content, so too many grapes can cause digestive upset in turkeys.
Nutrition in Grapes
Grapes do offer some nutritional benefits for turkeys. They contain vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants like resveratrol. The skins in particular have fiber and important plant compounds.
So in moderation, grapes can be a healthy supplement to a turkey’s diet. The vitamins support immune health, potassium aids muscle and nerve function, and antioxidants combat cell damage.
Potential Problems with Grapes
The main risk with grapes is that they are very high in natural sugars. Too much sugar can cause digestive issues in turkeys like diarrhea, upset stomach, and impacted crop.
Additionally, grapes could potentially choke smaller or baby turkeys if not cut into small pieces. The seeds may also be problematic if consumed in excess.
So it’s best to give turkeys seedless grapes, and chop larger grapes into small bits. Only provide a few grapes 1-2 times per week at most.
Safely Feeding Grapes to Turkeys
When feeding grapes to your turkeys, keep these tips in mind:
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Wash grapes thoroughly to remove any pesticide residues. Organic is ideal.
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Chop grapes into very small pieces or halves to prevent choking hazards.
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Remove any seeds if necessary. Seedless varieties are safest.
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Only give a few grapes per turkey, 1-2 times weekly maximum.
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Introduce new foods like grapes slowly and watch for signs of digestive upset.
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Provide grapes as a supplement to a complete turkey feed, not a replacement.
Summary
In moderation, grapes can be a tasty, nutritious treat for domesticated turkeys. They provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. However, grapes are high in sugar and excess consumption can cause digestive problems in turkeys. Feed no more than a few small grapes per bird, 1-2 times weekly at most. Chop grapes into small pieces and remove seeds when possible. Overall, grapes make a nice supplemental snack for turkeys if fed properly and in limited quantities.
Access to Turkey “grit”
Do NOT feed – oyster shell grit
They need turkey grit, or access to small pebbles, dirt, gravel
Grazing is GREAT for turkeys! They love Grass and the bugs they can get and rocks for their grit
Wild Turkey’s eat – worms, insects, fruits, seeds, snails, berries, nuts, plants, and small vertebrates.
Homemade Turkey foods – veggie and fruit scraps,
Grains – Barley, Black oil sunflower seeds, Bulgar, Milo, Millet, Flax, Corn, Wheat, Oats, Rice (cooked), Pasta (cooked)
Fruits are treats, not stapes of the diet – Grapes, Raisins, Peaches, Apples, Pears, Bananas (no peel), Crabapples, Cherries, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Watermelon, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries.
Veggies – pretty much all of them except ones listed in “Toxic foods” below
Nuts – if salted, wash the salt off. Acorns, Pine nuts, Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Beechnuts, Hickory nuts, Peanuts (food grade, not garden peanuts)
Dairy – Cheese, Yogurt
Poults or Chicks, 1-5 weeks old – need 26%-30% Protein feed, look for Turkey or Gamebird “Starter”
Young Turkeys, 5-12 weeks old – 20-24% Protein feed, Turkey or game bird “Grower”
Adult Turkeys, 13 weeks + need 14-16% Protein feed, regular turkey or game bird feed.
Do NOT feed Turkey’s MEDICATED chick starter
The following are Toxic to Turkeys, DO NOT FEED!
Rhubarb Leaves – poisonous to all animals!
Raw Peanuts – aflatoxin fungus
Avocado – deadly to all birds
Potato peels, sprouts, leaves – any green parts are poisonous to birds and people.
Moldy or rotting foods
Wild Bird Food : What Do Wild Turkeys Eat?
FAQ
Can you feed turkeys grapes?
Eastern turkeys may consume fruit from black cherry, wild grape, and spicebush plants, while their Western counterparts browse on fruit from Manzanita, …Apr 27, 2022
What foods can turkeys not have?
- Avocados
- Tomato and eggplant leaves
- Beans (raw or dried)
- Fruit pits and seeds
- Onions
- Processed foods
- Raw meat
- Anything dairy
What not to feed wild turkeys?
The only things we DO NOT feed the birds is other bird meat, potato peelings and egg shells. From what we have witnessed the turkey’s and the chicken’s favorite meat is pork, they will fight over anything pasta and they all chase the bird that has the tasty mouse! Bon Apetite!
What fruits do turkeys like?
As the poults grow, the seeds of ragweeds, sunflowers, and grasses are favored along with the fruits of dogwood, wild grape, cherry, sumac, and blackberries.
Can turkeys eat grapes?
Turkeys love grapes. Matured turkeys can eat grapes whole, but you should remove the seeds from grapes for baby turkeys. Grapes contain a lot of moisture, sugars, and vitamins (among others) for your turkeys. Just do not give too many grapes to your turkeys. Turkeys will become happier if you give them a tomato-rich diet.
Can one eat grapes?
The grape can be consumed raw, with peel and seed, or it can be used in preparations such as juices, sweets, salads, popsicles, jellies, jellies, mousses and in the manufacture of wines. The mineral whose content stands out the most is potassium, with a moderate content of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
Can turkeys eat fruit?
Yes, turkeys can eat all kinds of fruit. Fruit is a healthy and wholesome addition to a turkey’s diet, but all fruits are very sugary and so must be fed on a limited basis in small quantities to avoid trouble. Can Turkeys Eat Garlic? Yes, but with major reservations.
Can turkeys eat apples?
Well, so do turkeys. Apples are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fibers, and other nutrients. Turkeys can eat apple whole, but you should be careful so they do not eat too many apple seeds. It is best to make a fruit salad with apples for your turkeys. Pineapples are among the favorite fruits of turkeys.
Can turkeys eat raisins?
Grapes, like raisins, can be a sweet treat for turkeys when fed in moderation and are a better choice all around. They offer vitamins and antioxidants, and also a little moisture, but their high sugar content is still problematic and will cause crop and gizzard issues if overfed.
Can turkeys eat garlic?
However, garlic is commonly used as a vermifuge (worm treatment) for poultry, including turkeys, and many owners report that their birds eat allium plants with no issues, so this one is contentious. 2. Chocolate Chocolate is a well-known toxin for many animals, and turkeys are no exception.