Thanksgiving Turkey Processing

[katsdar]

I waited until she was the weight I wanted, she took longer because I free range, I have found the birds (turkey's and chicken's) put on their meat much slower and no fat, but the BBB's are supposed to be ready at 22 weeks, but my birds were 8 months when I processed her, I still have one walking around and will take care of her this coming week. She is for our Christmas dinner.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

I had 2 BBW toms that I got as week olds may 19 and processed them September 29th. They free ranged with my chickens but got a 20% grower supplement twice a day. Their live weights were 28lbs and 24lbs. Dressed, they weighed 26 1/2 lbs and 21 1/2 lbs. We are cooking the smaller one for Thanksgiving and the larger one for Christmas.

 

[SunnySkies]

I'm thinking of doing this next year. Meat birds were a huge success. I paid $95 for a free range locally grown turkey (OUCH) and I could certainly handle some turkeys.

Looking at Black Spanish, but I might do BBW just to see how I like turkeys before getting a flock of them.

 

[katsdar]

I'm thinking of doing this next year. Meat birds were a huge success. I paid $95 for a free range locally grown turkey (OUCH) and I could certainly handle some turkeys.

Looking at Black Spanish, but I might do BBW just to see how I like turkeys before getting a flock of them.

wow and I was thinking that asking 40 for mine for next year would be too much, I have to re-think this. That was dressed and oven ready?

 

[chicken pickin]

wow and I was thinking that asking 40 for mine for next year would be too much, I have to re-think this. That was dressed and oven ready?

$40 is definitely selling yourself short. It takes time and feed($) to get these turkeys ready to be a dinner. Remember you set the price they either take it or leave it. You will find someone who wants your turkey and is willing to pay what you deserve.

 

[SunnySkies]

It is locally grown and free ranged, and yes, processed and oven ready. $5.95/lb. I wanted something way better than a grocery store bird, but when hubby came home with it and showed me the reciept, I did almost faint. I'd better not mess it up!

I do live in an expensive area though.

I grew Freedom Rangers this fall for $1.20/lb using turkey grower and free ranging. I'm pretty sure I can do turkeys for $1.50/lb.

 

[Chad Cool]

It is locally grown and free ranged, and yes, processed and oven ready. $5.95/lb. I wanted something way better than a grocery store bird, but when hubby came home with it and showed me the reciept, I did almost faint. I'd better not mess it up!

I do live in an expensive area though.

I grew Freedom Rangers this fall for $1.20/lb using turkey grower and free ranging. I'm pretty sure I can do turkeys for $1.50/lb.

What is the dif in turkey grower and chicken grower? where do you get turkey grower? how much did you feed them?

 

[Darin115]

I raised (4) broad breasted white hens this year. I get them from the 4-H. They are given to the 4-H kids to raise to show at the State Fair. The ones that are the lightest after several weeks they get rid of. I generally get 2 but I took 4 this year. I sold 2 after processing.

They were started on a high protein turkey starter with soy meal added. When I get them I feed them a bag of turkey starter and grower and switch them to a hog finisher feed. It is lower in protein. I am not trying to grow them huge. I do not want them over 20lbs.

After processing they ranged from 16 - 19 lbs. One is resting in the fridge right now waiting for the fryer on Thursday afternoon.

They are great and I doubt I will ever eat a store bought turkey again unless someone else buys and cooks it.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Darin

 

[SunnySkies]

What is the dif in turkey grower and chicken grower? where do you get turkey grower? how much did you feed them?

Turkey grower is higher in protein. I got it at TSC. Fed 12 on, 12 off.

 

[katsdar]

Well I'm going to step out of the box here and my birds were free range and raised on chick starter/grower till they were about 20 weeks then they ate what the chickens ate layer crumbles, fresh veggies/fruit (have a vendor at the farmers market he gives me his unsaleable produce) my bird took about 8 months to get to 25 pounds, could have butchered her earlier but being a first timer didn't know how to judge her weight. will taste her on thursday and will tell you how she tasted. TSC is expensive look for a farm supply store feed would be cheaper.