A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[Molpet]

Hi all I def plan on going through these comments because we are new turkey owners. Fiancé and I just got a slate blue from a friend of his who is trying to cut down on his flock. His name is Wilson- reference to Home Improvement’s Wilson because they said he used to stay in the area behind the fence by himself and peak over . We just got a royal palm girlfriend for him. We have geese, chickens, and ducks- I have a feeling we’ll be getting more turkeys though because I love them already! Looking for a name for the girl if anyone has suggestions!
That’s Wilson having a nice little fight with our bantam roo because he is dumb and would not stop attacking him... he finally learned though

Catherine was Wilson's wife

 

[Phillyndilly]

I am not seeing the black spots/blotches that are present on a Blue Slate. If those spots are not present, it is likely a Self Blue aka Lavender. When you breed a Blue Slate to a Blue Slate, the possible outcomes are Blue Slate, Self Blue and Black.

Yes interesting I do see the spots you’re talking about in the google image I have to go outside and look at him closely! Thank you

 

[memphis]

Welcome Phillyndilly! Better watch it....turkeys have a way of worming their way into your heart!! Questions are welcome here....we have lots of knowledgable folks willing to help.

 

[OneMountainAcres]

Guy next door banged on my door yesterday...Iris was on the loose in his back yard. Grabbed my shoes & jacket, by the time I got over ther he was sitting on the back of his trailer which was piled high with firewood. And Iris was on top of the pile. He was calmly having a conversation with her. All kind of cute until he told me she was trying to buy his load of wood. Seriously...the two of the were sitting there having a convo. Poor guy was ready to pull out & didnt wanted a ride along. He didn't want to move the trailer for fear of scaring her. She was having fun inspecting the pile of wood. I'm so lucky to have such thoughtful neighbors. He's a country boy and likes the his turkey neighbors. Dang birds have the whole neighborhood wrapped around their tail feathers.

That's hilarious! It's starting to did like miss Iris may need a wing clipped lol. She seems like quite the escape artist, even if she doesn't mean to do it lol

Hi all I def plan on going through these comments because we are new turkey owners. Fiancé and I just got a slate blue from a friend of his who is trying to cut down on his flock. His name is Wilson- reference to Home Improvement’s Wilson because they said he used to stay in the area behind the fence by himself and peak over . We just got a royal palm girlfriend for him. We have geese, chickens, and ducks- I have a feeling we’ll be getting more turkeys though because I love them already! Looking for a name for the girl if anyone has suggestions!
That’s Wilson having a nice little fight with our bantam roo because he is dumb and would not stop attacking him... he finally learned though

Welcome to our happy little group and to the wonderful world of turkeys! I usually name my palms like royalty. I have a Princess and a Duchess and I used to have a Queenie. Turkeys are such a joy to raise! Like big, feathered, loveable dogs. If you read through this entire thread (it would take a while) you're going to learn a lot! Memphis has spoiled city divas that live in a convent and originated as orphans on the street. Ralph created the turkey categories of lapper, lurkey, and belly button. He also hates dux. I have a big lovable Tom named Romeo that will happily wear a harness and go meet people. They dubbed me the Pennsylvania poult pusher and maker of all poultry "clothes" lol. There's so much more!

 

[duluthralphie]

I would need to see a better picture of that tom since from that pic, he does not appear to be a Blue Slate.

I was just going to say the same thing...

 

[gluglu]

600....all turkeys?? Wow! How cool. That's a lot of turkey customers. Do you butcher them for folks or sell them live? I'm finding your turkey operation interesting.

If I had kept Pops...I'd be covered up in turkey poults! I can't trust myself. One one hand I'd love wrangling 600 turkeys....on the other hand....my lap is not that big!! I'm such a turkey pet person....

I rear mostly black and bronze turkeys, i use to make hybrids crossing male heritage to BBB females. I butcher all myself and deliver those in carcass at clients door. Females weight 3-4 kg and males 6-8 kg for broilers. I slaughter them at 8-9 months old.

 

[CindyinSD]

Wow! You are a hard worker. That’s such a lot of turkeys to butcher. I have some boys who are about ready for the table. They’re not pets but even so, I’m not looking forward to slaughter day.

 

[memphis]

Gluglu....I agree with Cindy. You are a hard worker! Fascinating! Thanks for giving us some insight. Turkey must me more popular in Europe than I thought. Probably due to my German heritage, I think goose before turkey. My grandma would roast a goose before a turkey. Do you manage all of this by yourself? Do you have help/employees? Raising & butchering 600 turkeys is a big business.
We have such a diverse bunch here....I'm always interested in how people manage their birds. We have some cool folks in our flock!!
And I've learned so much....everything from how to keep water thawed in a hole of poop to the design process involved in the latest turkey fashion. And I won't forget the play by play of operating on a turkey. And in my case....the willingness of someone driving four hours to hand off a few birds. I'm bringing this up because I was trying to explain to my non-turkey owning friends how supportive and helpful our gang is during dinner last night. Even our own terminology for different temperaments. They all still think I'm nuts....but I take solace knowing I'm in a flock of like kind!!

 

[memphis]

Got out the mower. Intent was to mulch leaves. Made a critical error! Should have cooped Daisy before the mower made its appearance. She was NOT to be cooped! She was actually flying/hopping around while I tried to get her cooped. Not sure what the goofballs were thinking but they followed suite. Had a backyard full of crazy hens hopping into the air. Looked like turkey popcorn ! I gave up & garaged the mower. Daisy is relentless when it comes to that thing. Once it was gone...all was calm.

 

[memphis]

Ralph....so glad you entered your kayak hen in the Sneaky Broody contest! It's my favorite sneaky broody story! I still thing that was so creative on her part!!