Heritage & Exhibition Turkey Thread

[Haunted55]

Thats a good idea, it didnt even occur to me to do this. Do you think if I use sand it will be the same as using grit?

I would think he's need something a little bigger than sand if there are spines or fiberous material from the cactus. Grit, which is small pieces of stone would be better to my mind.

 

[mstarr]

I have raised broad breasted turkeys but now have switched to heritage, for multiple reasons. I am wintering a few bourbon reds and I love having them around, definitely my bird of choice. I read at the top of this thread about the top-notch breeders, Frank Reese, Danny Williamson Tim Turnland, and Duane Urch, but when I googled them to look for hatching eggs or chicks, I could only find ready to eat products. I know I can easily purchase chicks, but does anyone know where to go for quality breeding stock?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Arielle]

Just saw a posting of Reeses birds on the heritage large fowl thread yesterday. Apprarently this is the first year he is offering his birds for sale by egg or chick. Very reasonable prices too.

If you can't find the thread, send me a PM.

 

[Arielle]

JIm, can you post the resources for the main breeders of turkeys. I can think of a couple others.

s and s poultry
Sand HIll poultry, or is it preservation

 

[aguilera]

I'd like to say "thank you!" to everyone who helped me out regarding my sick turkey. This morning he satarted to eat on his own again when I put food out for the turkeys. Yesterday and the day before I stareted to feed him sand and grit through a pen (after making it hollow like a straw). I would fill it half way an slide it into his mouth passed his trachea hole where he breathes and then I would tilt his head so the sand and grit would go directly into his esophagus. I would then give him some milk after, then hand feed him food and then repeat the process again about 3 more times. Thanks everyone for your ideas! I learend a lot.

 

[mstarr]

Wow, I'm really impressed that you could do that with your turkey! Did he hold still for you?

 

[Arielle]

I'd like to say "thank you!" to everyone who helped me out regarding my sick turkey. This morning he satarted to eat on his own again when I put food out for the turkeys. Yesterday and the day before I stareted to feed him sand and grit through a pen (after making it hollow like a straw). I would fill it half way an slide it into his mouth passed his trachea hole where he breathes and then I would tilt his head so the sand and grit would go directly into his esophagus. I would then give him some milk after, then hand feed him food and then repeat the process again about 3 more times. Thanks everyone for your ideas! I learend a lot.

I've been hoping and pr aying for you both-- so glad to hear the news. YOu're gutsy!

 

[aguilera]

Wow, I'm really impressed that you could do that with your turkey! Did he hold still for you?

I had to wrap him in a towel like a burrito and lay him on his side with me on top (with out sitting on him) to keep him from moving and getting away.

 

[Haunted55]

I am very glad to hear this.

 

[elizmartin]

I'd like to say "thank you!" to everyone who helped me out regarding my sick turkey. This morning he satarted to eat on his own again when I put food out for the turkeys. Yesterday and the day before I stareted to feed him sand and grit through a pen (after making it hollow like a straw). I would fill it half way an slide it into his mouth passed his trachea hole where he breathes and then I would tilt his head so the sand and grit would go directly into his esophagus. I would then give him some milk after, then hand feed him food and then repeat the process again about 3 more times. Thanks everyone for your ideas! I learend a lot.

Good for You, I think we all learned from this one....