A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[rjohns39]

So all you breeders like daluthralphie and Memphis and r2elk- any tips on guessing tom or hen? Lady I bought them from said she thinks toms have bigger snood bump as poults but I don't know about that. Also heard pelvis opening size is smaller on toms. Let me know what you guys use to make educated guesses. I know there's no real sure way to know till they get older just like trying to figure it out.

You'll know in about 24 weeks. One of the others might have a better clue--but that's the only tried and true method. And even after 24 weeks I needed R2 and Ralph to confirm.

 

[rjohns39]

BTW, I think sam's making the trip twice a day. Not sure yet.

 

[stephcraig78]

Yeah I went through this last year with the two hens I have already. Thought for the longest time that one was a Tom but nope. It's almost like waiting for Christmas morning. Especially when you are hoping for a Tom. The one tom we did have was killed last summer by a skunk so really want another one.

 

[feedman77]

Narri hens are usually different in coloration than the toms by about 9 weeks old. But I usually had more than one to gauge looking at

 

[stephcraig78]

Have you noticed any difference in their future snood bump?

 

[feedman77]

Have you noticed any difference in their future snood bump?

I never really paid much attention to the snood bump. So I can't help on that. Some say look at the shape of the head from above. A hens head will resemble a triangle. Tom will be blocked and round.

I still have a Turkey that's over a year old I still don't know if it's a Tom or hen.

It's never laid an egg, gobbled, strutted, yelped. It has a beard (bigger than my toms)and spurs. And likes to fight my toms and usually wins. Never seen it mate or get mated.

Some just keep you guessing.

 

[Flashpoint]

Flashpoint...Daisy is a Blue Slate & Annie is the Bourbon Red with a beard. I just have the two hens. Just pet. Sweeties both. R2elk is great figuring out the color variety.

Sorry about that - it's from reading too fast and NOT paying attention. lol. Ok, will try and keep them straight now - Daisy Blue and Annie Red

 

[Flashpoint]

Turkey hen in the Mimosa tree - then they all decided it was more fun to roost on the dog kennel that holds my MEAN rooster, Boonie and aggravate him instead.

 

[memphis]

Flashpoint...no apologies. It's hard to keep up with everyone's birds!

I believe Turkey's love to learn new things....I'm convinced! Once Annie figured out how to operate and eat (eating was the issue, she has to eat sideways to fit) from the chickens treadle feeder, she goes & operates it for no reason. Now, since she figured out the back of the bench is a better place to roost than the gate...she hops up & down for fun. I guess. Such goobers!

 

[Flashpoint]

Flashpoint...no apologies. It's hard to keep up with everyone's birds!

I believe Turkey's love to learn new things....I'm convinced! Once Annie figured out how to operate and eat (eating was the issue, she has to eat sideways to fit) from the chickens treadle feeder, she goes & operates it for no reason. Now, since she figured out the back of the bench is a better place to roost than the gate...she hops up & down for fun. I guess. Such goobers!

I so agree! These seem to pay close attention to anything around them. Years ago, I had what was apparently a white palm turkey - that used to walk on a leash. I think the level of intelligence is very high because most birds would be freaking out to get away.

Now that they are enamoured of the dog kennel, I am going to put some planks up tomorrow and anchor them so they don't slide around. Goofballs for sure lol.