Thanks, guys. I know you probably do not remember - but back last summer when Goldie hatched out five poults, I ended up losing all of them. 3 to heat and 2 "just disappeared" without any signs of predation. Yes, I know it can happen that way. Just after that, I also lost a little black and white turken hen - just up and gone. Even so, I was not surprised by that disappearance as she refused to stay with the flock.
In the meantime, I still thought it was suspicious, but with no proof, I just couldn't say what did happen.
One day while talking to one of my 3 neighbors, I said something about their chickens and was promptly informed they did NOT have chickens. Okkkkk folks - I guess the hens I hear cackling and the rooster crowing means....nothing. (whispering - but I know a chicken when I hear a chicken be it a hen or a rooster!).
Today I had gone down and turned out the big turkeys and my chickens - all under my new net. I came inside and happened to look up at the security camera and saw a turkey OUTSIDE of the entire run. I was like "what the hell!?!" and was immediately ticked off cause I really really wanted that net to work.
Now, given that it's one of those cold, half rainy, gray days, my cameras did not show me much color - I just knew it was a turkey. So out I run to see where it had gotten out and "why"?
Imagine my surprise to find this.
I do not have any of these and I am "assuming" it's a bourbon red or a mix. So I looked up specifics on the bird and the first picture I posted is of bourbon red poults (allegedly). The second pic is of the ones that hatched out here. (sigh)
When I first got the 4 big ones, I wasn't present when they were picked out, did not see the parents (or even if the owners knew since my DD said they had a slew of turkeys), so I have no idea who came from what or what was over who, etc. Funny that you both see two different types in both pics, though.
Even so, I have not a clue what that means in the end result.To add even more to the confusion, I am not even sure if all the eggs Goldie hatched were hers or if Brandie had added to the pile.
However, I think both pics are quite similar as to patterns and markings - and mine also had the sorta peach-colored heads. Not sure if ALL did, but at least a couple - and also considering I do not have the most observant eyes in the bunch regarding color genetics. I also realize that poult feathers change as the birds become adults. (Am I rambling yet??) I would guess it's possible the parents to one or more of my original 4 turkeys could have been a bourbon red.
Btw, to my knowledge, there is not another turkey within 10 miles of me that I am aware of. Not to say there can't be. It's also interesting that this turkey appears to be a young jake and about the age my missing ones would be today. I know it might be crazy to think people would just steal a turkey - but on the other hand, the cousin to this neighbor stole a cow and then hid under the chicken house hiding from the police.
Do I think this turkey is one of my missing ones - heh...maybe. possible. I'm sure one of you can shoot that theory down, but it does aggravate me when I know they are lying to me in the first place. lol
I just know I am not a total fruitloop - yet.
