A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[dheltzel]

Lol, I do want a peacock too. But only 1, just for eye candy in the yard. You can free range them too, right?

I know the oscellated turkeys are super expensive and it would be a VERY long time until I could afford any but just finding a place that I could eventually get one would be nice. They're so beautiful. Like a cross between turkeys and peafowl.

Peas are ok with just a single one free ranging with other fowl.

Keep in mind that anything hard to find and expensive is that way for a reason. In a few case, like some of the new chicken breed imports, it's just constrained supply and high demand, but normally it is because they are hard to keep and breed or take special care (like green peafowl not being very cold hardy).

I know you will do your homework first.

 

[R2elk]

Does ANYONE know anybody that breeds oscellated turkeys? Saw a picture of one for the first time yesterday and I want one SO BAD! The only thing I can find is that they're rediculous expensive but no where to even try to buy one.

You should forget about Ocellated turkeys. They are a tropical bird and would not survive without a heated location where you are located. There are lots of threads on them if you spell the name correctly.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/843873/ocellated-turkey

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/824750/ocellated-turkeys

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/340419/oscellated-turkeys

 

[bluenosechicken]

I am looking at getting some Bourbon Reds any comments on the breed , care or concerns?

 

[holm25]

All those babies are cute!!

 

[OneMountainAcres]

You should forget about Ocellated turkeys.  They are a tropical bird and would not survive without a heated location where you are located.  There are lots of threads on them if you spell the name correctly.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/843873/ocellated-turkey

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/824750/ocellated-turkeys

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/340419/oscellated-turkeys

Thank you for the threads. I know that they're tropical and would need heated housing. I think they'd be worth the trouble. Hubby and I have talked about building a greenhouse eventually and growing banana trees, lemons and other tropical things. Wouldn't it be cool to have a few of them living in it too?

 

[dheltzel]

Thank you for the threads. I know that they're tropical and would need heated housing. I think they'd be worth the trouble. Hubby and I have talked about building a greenhouse eventually and growing banana trees, lemons and other tropical things. Wouldn't it be cool to have a few of them living in it too?

I expect that tropical turkey crap would make the tropical plants grow really well.

You should open it to the public as a tourist attraction to help pay the bills.

 

[bruceha2000]

I bet I could get you some peafowl eggs to hatch this year, but keeping them is truly a "labor of love", you can't make money, or even break even, with peas. That's hard to do with turkeys, but at least you have a chance to make your feed money back.

Not to get too far afield, but someone on another thread said he sells the cocks' shed tail feathers and makes money that way. I don't know if it covers the feed cost but I'm sure that also depends on if you can free range the peafowl during non winter months to cut the feed bill.

 

[feedman77]

I am looking  at getting some Bourbon Reds any comments  on the breed , care or concerns?

I have 5 Bourbon reds. They tend to be overly curious. Good layers. Decent mothers. All will go broody.

I like mine. I also have royal palms and chocolates. Last year blue slates.

If you can get some I say go for it.

Turkeys are better than chickens. Imoh.

 

[feedman77]

Effects of the broody virus:

2 now on 1 nest.

and another.

This is uh-oh my little blue slate cross few days old.

Have a feeling it is going to be a bad year for predators. Caught 2 coon so far. Of course they found a weak spot in my defenses. Got in again.

Now it's completely surrounded by hardware cloth. And a foot under dirt 3 ft out. Live traps on 3 sides.

Created chickie fort knox. If they get thru that guess electric is next.

 

[memphis]

I agree with Feedman, turkeys are a hoot! My Bourbon Red is super sweet!
Let's us know if you get a few.

Ralph, I think everyone needs a few Speckled Sussex! Are you selling some this year or building up your flock. It's just so much easier dealing with a laid back bunch of chickens. And they are beautiful! !