Heritage & Exhibition Turkey Thread

[K Epp]

There is a big difference in the size of my two. the one Im thinking is a Tom is much bigger. Its snood is just now starting to grow. I guess time will tell. On a good note I didn't have to carry either to the barn tonight. I didn't find the beginings to a beard on either lastnight, But I didn't have a lot of coperation either.

 

[Arielle]

There is a big difference in the size of my two. the one Im thinking is a Tom is much bigger. Its snood is just now starting to grow. I guess time will tell. On a good note I didn't have to carry either to the barn tonight. I didn't find the beginings to a beard on either lastnight, But I didn't have a lot of coperation either.

Oh, they are learning!!

Perhaps if you feel them regularly, they will get used to it and become more cooperative. You most likely have a girla nd a boy. I have seen birds become different adult sizes so it is possible that they are still two of a kind.

 

[K Epp]

Well he (the big one) did it again. It does not like me holding the chickens. I picked another one up and he came running eith his head a blaze. Then chased the poor chicken all over the yard.

 

[Arielle]

Hirarchy issues. If that is not a male, I would be surprised. My males don't act like that, but I sure remember a rooster who did.

 

[JoshU]

I have a couple 4 week old Porter bourbon reds that are strutting already. It's just plain hilarious.
They are such showoffs. So much friendlier and more calm than most chicks I have raised. Allthough some of the crosses I got to fill my order are flighty as heck and hiss when I reach in the brooder. I hope to have them on the ground soon. It's just too wet right now.

 

[K Epp]

Both of my bronze are growing spurs. I have been told that this is a sure sign they are boys. Can someone confirm that?

 

[Arielle]

Both of my bronze are growing spurs. I have been told that this is a sure sign they are boys. Can someone confirm that?

None of my girls have spurs.

 

[K Epp]

Thanks.

If I have no hens will the toms get along together and not fight if I don't any. If I get hens how many will I need to keep both toms happy? Is that possible?

 

[Arielle]

I have a pen of 13 males, and they only fight when someone flew over the fence and spent the day away. When reunited the fighting starts again.

I have a pen of 2 toms that grew up together, with 6 hens. THey do sometimes fight, and No3 was injured and culled. Like most animals more space is better. In general they seem to stay behind the fence as long as they have food and water and it is not bed time. We have to put them away 30-60 minutes before sundown.

Is anyone planning to show this year??? I"ve never shown a bird, but I have gone to the shows. Very few if any turkeys. Many say they take up too much room to transport. My thought is, well how many birds would I need to show to be happy. I already have dog crate that fit in my car . . .

 

[Lorilyn Farms]

I'm with you there, Arielle. I would like to show my new poults, only because the poults I recieved, over half of them have split wing. Seems the heritage hatcheries need to concentrate on SOP instead of production. I'd like to start breeding SQ turkeys. Anyone else do turkeys at show? I'd be willing to put up with the weight of transporting them from car to show, if only to have people see how beautiful and friendly they are.

On the other hand, I'd be scared that someone would bring in a disease to my bird. I remember visiting a horse farm and before we were allowed to touch the horses, we had to wash our hands in a weak bleach solution. It seemed like overkill at the moment, but now I can see the reason behind it.