It will be like any other meat after a year old.... it would be best to slow cook them. Are they a heritage bird?
And yes it took a lot two years ago to ask $4.00 / pound but I'm glad I did. We sold out of 200 this year three weeks ago. I had to change my answer machine to "we are sold out of turkeys for 2010 please leave a message for all other inquiries." A lot of selling farm products is marketing and even if you're in an area that may not take those prices initially, over time they will. You have to build a customer base, last year I donated 30 turkeys because we couldn't sell them... this year a lot of my regulars are missing out on our Thanksgiving turkeys.
When I first started, it was $2.00 / pound... I didn't get these prices right away. However after you make the move to make this a full time job people understand that you're making a living from it and most of them understand. Many customers won't pay that much for a turkey but there are more than enough customers that will and since it's a one time purchase.... many don't care. The way I look at it, I have to raise them for 4 months so you need to divide your time up over the course of 4 months. For instance if you raise 20, $80.00 turkeys, that's $1,600.... well if you divide that over 4 months your grossing only $400.00. Take feed, labor, water (I buy my water), price of poults, electric, ect. you're not making the amount that you think you are. If prices were $2.00 per pound I would be barley breaking even and not paying bills. That's the first mistake someone just getting into this can make... is charging to little. You have to be honest with your customers and they will support you through thick and thin. Also have a good appearance on your farm... curb appeal is everything as most people make decisions with their eyes first. If you have clutter laying around and the place is muddy... you can forget about asking higher prices.
My competitors in the area are getting $3.50 / pound and still have turkeys available, so again it goes to show it's about convenience of location and your marketing... which includes your personality... so smile!!
) I bought one
