cleaning Turkeys?

[justusnak]

Is there a way to "clean" turkeys? Or is it done just like chickens? Just wanted to know....for future reference.

 

[justusnak]

anyone??

 

[marko15]

Just Do them like chickens -the only difference is their size!!

 

[justusnak]

Thanks Marko......thats what I was thinking...but wasnt sure. We wont be processing turkeys untill next fall...but wanted to get a heads up on what to expect.

 

[boilerjoe_96]

If a 6-8 lb chicken can flap and makes lots of noise.....how does one go about catching, restraining and processing a turkey. Seems a 25 lb bird could beat you off with it's wings.....

 

[4H kids and mom]

Like adult geese, catching and restraining a non-friendly turkey would be no different. Simply requires additional hands! Catch them by their neck, then grab around them to hold their wings in. Really monster toms may require a strong person to carry them, or two not-so-strong persons.

I had chance to handle a mean old tom yesterday when our neighbors (from over a mile away) got into our yard! Pretty bird, but noisey and HUGE! Must of weighed in at about 30 pounds. Mmmmm! lol

Their teenage daughter was driving around looking for it and I flagged her down. It took the two of us to corral, catch, and carry this monster. He escaped the truck on his way to be 'processed'. I got a nice cut on my arm and was filthy from head to foot afterwards, but if nothing else it was an exhilerating experience!

Anywho, I asked the gal about processing them and she says they are anatomically almost identical to a chicken only MUCH larger. Only thing I would suggest justusnak, is to have a helper, or two...or three! lol

 

[justusnak]

Wow 4H, thanks. I plan on keeping the little turks as friendly as possible, without getting attached. HAHA! As long as I get it in my head, that they are for the freezer, BEFORE they hatch, I should be ok. Will have to see. For now, my little turks are only a few months old, and not ready for laying or brooding...so no worry yet. I dont plan to let them get HUGE either. Just me and DH here...so...10 pounds before processing is fine. Thanks for the info everyone. Now I am ready....i think. LOL