Oh the guilt

[Rustywreck]

This morning I took my six turkeys in to be "processed." I bet I changed my mind at least 10 times before I drove away and left them behind.
I feel like I've committed the worst kind of betrayal ever. Six months ago they were small enough to sit in my hand. All summer they followed me around the yard, sometimes getting into mischief but mostly interested in whatever I was doing.
When I step out the door it had become a habit to call out my best "yelp, yelp, yelp," and "gobble, gobble, gobble;" but now I won't get a response.
I've felt guilty all day, and in just 7 days I have to try to put one in the oven.
I managed okay with the meat chickens, but these turkeys were different; they were like pets that I looked forward to seeing every day.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

Sorry.

It is easy to feel the pain in your post. I have never raised meat birds and this is why....I keep thinking I will try but I am just not sure I can. I really hope you are able to get past those feelings before the holidays and can enjoy your healthy meal. At least you know they were loved and cared for while they were alive.

 

[monarc23]

they had a good life while with you, and you can now enjoy the next step of them on your dinner table, and thank the turkey gods for their blessing of yummy turkey. Trying to be funny and serious here

it gets easier promise

Next time it might make it easier to keep a select few as pets and others as meat only??

 

[redhen]

thats why i am afraid to have turkeys..i have heard they are pretty cool...after reading this i definatley may not even go there this spring....

...i'm sorry..but, at least they were happy with you while you had them...they had a good life....

 

[rubyv67]

It helps if whatever will be food, you immediately make up your mind not to get too attached. I am going to have a giant fight with my 7 year old if I do get any for meat. Just know you loved them cared for them and now they are going to return that by giving sustenance to your family.

 

[Heather J]

I know I've waffled back and forth on processing some of my water birds because they are costing so much to feed, but I've always thought of them as pets, not as dinner, so I haven't been able to decide who I would do in first. And as there is nowhere in my state that processes poultry, I really would have to do it myself. I think those birds are going to live long, happy lives instead.

If I get turkeys, I'll keep reminding myself they're dinner, not pets, and maybe I won't feel as guilty about eating them. I feel your pain.