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[NotAFarm]

Today I picked up a pair of 6 month old Black Mottled turkeys from a local family (an hour away is local here). Their stock came from Porters. I'm thrilled to have them and will post some pics when they've settled in and the weather cooperates.

Thanks to everyone here for all the information I've been gleaning from you for the past year. I'm so excited to be numbered among all of you! I know if I have any questions, you'll all be here to help me out!!

 

[Frosty]

Congratulations! Ummm... did anyone tell you that they are addictive? Mottleds are gorgeous, can't wait for the pics!

 

[NotAFarm]

Quote:
Weellll, no one has told me specifically, but I've read it here quite a few times!!!

 

[Dogfish]

Turkey math is worse than chicken math. Trust me, I'm a banker.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

YAY the more the merrier

would love to see the pics please

 

[NotAFarm]

Quote:
Well then, as a banker, you understand regulators.

Mine is my DH. When we were looking for property, he wanted to live where there were convenants for up-keep etc and what we got is a beautiful 4 acres with "livestock" restrictions, so I am technically not suppose to have poultry. I have great neighbors who don't mind but I need to keep a low pofile and be conscience of them. My BYC name is a result of him telling me, "This is NotAFarm". Love that man and he loves me.........so.... I have 4 Muscovy (quiet ducks), 14 chickens (3 roos, not so quiet) and now 2 turkeys. I'm sure everyone will love the turkeys. Because, Everybody loves a turkey!

Katy, You will see pics as soon as the weather cooperates and I can safely have them outside without fear of them leaving!

 

[ColbyNTX]

If you have a coop, the a 6 month old turkey will be fine outside even in your IL winter. They will need to be cooped for several weeks before you turn them out to free range so they can learn their new home. I guess it is a pair as in tom and hen? Remember that everytime they molt the more mottled they will get and will be the most mottled in their third year. Welcome to the world of turkeys. Remember when you start hatching eggs, even Porters mottled blacks only breed 75% true so 25% of your poults will be a different color. It will be some fun hatches like opening christmas gifts to see what you get!

 

[NotAFarm]

Thanks for the tip on the percentages Colby. The parent birds are 3 1/2 years old now and have beautiful color. They said all of their hatches had been mottled until this year. They had two, both jakes, out of six, that were sort of a Royal Palm pattern. Mostly white with some black highlighting, and very pretty. I knew some chance of different colors was possible but numbers are always helpful. These youngsters were in an unheated barn, still with mom and siblings, so that's where I have them here. They hadn't been outside much due to winter weather and the fact that they were hatched in September. I look forward to being able to see them free ranging around here once they've settled in and realize this is home (aka where the food is)! I bet the squirrels around here won't like having competition for the acorns though!

 

[kuntrygirl]