A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[charmedbaker]

Two down, one to go Hopefully mine will develop something that makes it definitely hen or tom soon. I'm getting tired of calling it "Turkey" lol. Although it comes when I call it, so a new name might not be the best idea.....

Well, if it gobbles, you'll know! It's the funniest thing to wake up to. It makes me laugh.

 

[feistychick]

Well, if it gobbles, you'll know! It's the funniest thing to wake up to. It makes me laugh.

Happy turkey chirps make me smile, I think I'd have to say that gobbles would make me laugh too! DH is convinced that it's a hen, but I'm waiting for a more certain indicator lol.

 

[duluthralphie]

I would like to confirm what I said earlier, Penguin is a boy for sure! He was just strutting his stuff!




Oh and...

I have looked on and off all day for Ethel's fourth baby, it is gone. Even the DW went hunting in the woods for it. She said my hearing sucked, and I couldn't hear it from 5 ft away...

She is right, for once.

 

[memphis]

Good for Penguin! What breed is he? Hate that you have one missing. Hope it turns up.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Good morning! And Congratulations! Third is placing!

Thank you all for helping me with my turkey identity issues. Feels good to know he's a he! We were going to change his name from Grace to Grady but my husband likes Grayson. I'm not convinced. I was thinking about how he has to be first in line and snatches treats from the girls. Maybe Gordon, el Gordo. Any other ideas?

I know this is breaking the Husband code of conduct and honor, but Greyson???? Come on!!!!   Gordon or El Gordo is ok.   I liked Grady but I can live with the others, But Greyson, come on get real!

Might as well call him Robin.....      ( that is a test to see how many get the connection)

Totally get this reference. We own all of the batman movies, old & new...lol

Definitely bronze. But I'm not positive it's a hen. Yes, the snood is small but that cowl is huge for a 16 week old hen. I shall reserve my answer for a couple more weeks. You either have a very mature hen or a very late blooming tom. I've had experience with both. I reserve judgement on those until closer to 5 months unless I hear a gobble before then.

Well I'm glad to know it's a bronze for sure! Okay - silly question now, what's a cowl? Re-counted weeks, my best guess is 17 weeks old. I heard one gobble-type noise when DH was gobbling really loud at it. And we had one big tail fan-out. No strutting and no self-initiated noises (only little chirps).

Well, I'm hoping for a hen, but would be absolutely fine with my sweetie being a tom. I didn't know it would be so hard to tell STILL, my patience ran out weeks ago lol

Cowl, caruncles, waddles, hood...I've heard it called all of these & more. It's the bumpy skin from mid neck to top of head.

I like Eddie. Still debating what to name my bearded lady.

My very bearded chicken hen is named Bertha the Bearded Lady. Just seemed to fit...lol

 

[memphis]

Sorry for all the dumb novice questions. Still trying to adjust to these two adopted hens. What kind of feeders do you all use?

 

[SilkieSensation]

Sorry for all the dumb novice questions. Still trying to adjust to these two adopted hens. What kind of feeders do you all use?

There is no such thing as a dumb question. Questions mean you are smart enough to know you still have things to learn.

I like the black rubber bowls for feed year round. They are flexible but durible. If something freezes in them you just flip them over & stomp on the bottom & it comes out. They are also great for water in the winter for exactly this reason. Flip, stomp, refill. In summer I sometimes use heavy plastic 1-5 gallon buckets depending on size of birds & how many but the black rubber work just as well year round. You do not want to use plastic buckets when there's a chance of freezing. Ice will split the sides & bottom right out of the bucket. The black rubber bowls cost a little more but are well worth it because they last forever.

 

[memphis]

Thanks SS! I like the rubber feed bowl idea. Do you raise it off the ground? Right now I'm using a big round galvanized oil pan thing. Just happened to have it on hand. Works well unless someone decides to stand in it. Gross.
Things going well with both hens. The blue slate I caught in rush hour traffic is a sweetie. Loves her head scratched. The Bourbon Red hen, who's owner died is also settling in. I've been sitting in their pen, in 100 degree heat, just to get them used to me. Man I love that box fan! They are both starting to trust me. Gosh they are fun!! I think my chickens are jealous! !

 

[duluthralphie]

I use regular chicken feeders for my turkeys. BUT I force mine to fend for themselves a lot too. They have to join all my birds in performing pest control. I have so many box elder bugs here, and the reason I got birds in the first place was to kill them.

As far as watering goes I used a steel font last year over winter, on a heated fount stand. I had no problems.

This time of year I use water cups on 30 gallon barrels, again no problems.

 

[memphis]

My chickens use a treadle. I love it. Keeps most varmints out of their food. Not sure the turkeys would catch on. I intend to free range the turkeys. Right now I'm only letting them out when I'm home & can keep an eye on them. Surprised how much the slate loves standing in the hose. She always manages to stick her feet in the stream. Again...thanks for all the help. Still trying to figure it all out!