A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[duluthralphie]

Introducing dog 1 to the birds
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Napping/cuddles are much better
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The other dog has a super high prey drive and so his shock collar is on the charger. He's the main reason we can't have free-range anything. He was a rescue and used to be a bird dog sooo its hardwired in his not so smart brain that catching birds = good. Which is great for a hunting bird dog but not for a homestead. He's very one track minded and super dumb but we love him anyway.

My dogs were and still are hunting dogs, once trained they know the difference between a bird that belongs and is protected and one that is not. The good thing is most hunting dogs are trained to listen and obey....That is half the work of training.

 

[PolarBerry]

My dogs were and still are hunting dogs, once trained they know the difference between a bird that belongs and is protected and one that is not. The good thing is most hunting dogs are trained to listen and obey....That is half the work of training.

His prey drive is so high and his hearing shuts off. He's almost 11 and is starting to go blind/deaf slowly anyway so for now the shock collar set to vibrate/beep and keeping the birds a fence away is our best bet.

 

[memphis]

Ralph is right. Just getting a sporting dogs attention is half the battle. I'm spoiled with Aussies. I think they are born guilty. It's going to be interesting for me with this scent hound. He has no interest in my fowl. My turkeys, especially Daisy, are still in a snit. They are now almost through their molts. Boy do they look good. I'll try to get some pictures. Annie, who is farther along, grew such beautiful deep red feathers! Daisys spots seem bigger this year. Girls are looking good!!

 

[memphis]

I can't resist. Here is Ted. Four months old. Still teething.

 

[duluthralphie]

When I walked to the barn to do afternoon chores, I was of course accompanied by the turkeys. Today they seemed in a snit. The clicks and whistles were loud and often. I thought maybe the new leader (RP) was sneaking up on me, but he was right beside me a step back...

Then I figured it out. OC (Orange Cat) joined in and was walking ahead of the turkeys from the machine shed on. He has never joined us for our walk before.. I guess following a cat is against some code of conduct for turkeys.

They would run up behind him to take a nip out of his tail, but as soon as he stopped or turned they scooted the the back of the pack as if to say "It wasn't me"..

It is only a couple hundred feet, but I had to slow down to drag it out, it was great fun to watch. I wish I had had my phone with, it was so funny.

 

[karenerwin]

When you butcher a turkey does it need a “rest” period like chickens do? That is supposed to be for relaxing the muscles or something like that. It’s supposed to make them a bit more tender.

 

[duluthralphie]

When you butcher a turkey does it need a “rest” period like chickens do? That is supposed to be for relaxing the muscles or something like that. It’s supposed to make them a bit more tender.

Yep

 

[karenerwin]

Yep

Ok, thanks

 

[R2elk]

When you butcher a turkey does it need a “rest” period like chickens do? That is supposed to be for relaxing the muscles or something like that. It’s supposed to make them a bit more tender.

At least 3 days.

 

[karenerwin]

At least 3 days.

Thanks! That's good to know. I'll have to make room in the refrigerator!