Tribute to @memphis and her Lapper turkeys

[R2elk]

Dec. 3, 2015 @memphis wrote

My chickens coop themselves. I tuck in my turkeys. Turkey tuck-in time is a ritual now. I have a chair in their coop/run. They hop in my lap before they roost. They expect snuggles before bedtime. I think Daisy would sleep in my lap all night if I let her. Ok, so there spoiled. But they are so funny I can't resist.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16191249

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 4, 2015 @memphis wrote

Anybody growing fodder for their turkeys or chickens? I've been considering it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16192462

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 4, 2015 @memphis wrote

It's 34 degrees here this morning. Pretty chilly for us. But man, my turkeys love the cooler weather. Lots of running, flapping & soccer playing going on out here.
Both my girls are full of pin feathers on their necks & chests. Are tails feathers the last to come in? I'm anxious for the to shed their ratty tail feathers!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16192483

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 4, 2015 @memphis wrote

Ralph! How far did you get yesterday? What's your ETA in Nashville?
Personally, I think Speckled Sussex hens are just gorgeous! That's a darling picture. I just love mine. I think your wife has good taste in chickens!

As it starts to get dark here, the chickens wander down to their coop. But my turkeys gather on my back porch & stare through the backdoor window. That's how I know they are ready for bed. They follow me down to the coop for their bedtime treats & last snuggle. True lappers. They know the routine. Or rather, they have me trained!

Have you made an appointment with the tailor to custom fit your turkeys personalized flight suits yet?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16192504

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 4, 2015 @memphis wrote

Well MPB...we are all pretty attached to our turkeys. They are entertaining & their personalities are much different that chickens. In fact we developed a turkey temperament scale:

Lappers = Short for Lap Turkey. These are turkeys that seek out human contact. Love to sit in laps and snuggles.

Tolerant Turkey = A turkey that will allow you go pick it up and hold, but doesn't seek out contact.

Lurky Turkey = A turkey that follows you around, enjoys the company, but doesn't want to be held.

Belly Button = Jerks

If you look back through some of our old posts, you'll see a lot of turkeys engaged in Lap Sitting! . If j had to choose, I'd keep my turkeys over my chickens in a second!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16193430

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 4, 2015 @memphis wrote

Aurora ...no way the girls can resist Adam. He's so handsome. But it is saying something that Pebbles has fallen for him too! What a guy! Is he still up for a quick snuggle before bed?

Brandy...why do you have to get rid of George too? He's beautiful and not a Belly Button? ?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16193865

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 4, 2015 @memphis wrote

Chaos ...I'm learning a ton about turkey genetics too! It's way cool. So does this mean you will be adding another tom & breeding pen?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16193875

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 4, 2015 @memphis wrote

I agree, Auburn & Chocolates are beautiful. How 'bout it Chaos?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16194728

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 4, 2015 @memphis wrote

Well MPB, looks like your becoming a turkey convert. Have you been to the Porter Heritage Breed Turkey site? You need to go! But be prepared, you'll want one of everything! It also has a turkey calculator that we are all addicted too. You can punch in the genotype of your turkeys and it tells you what the cross will produce.

Aurora, Adam cracks me up! So does Pebbles!

Had all the girls out ranging today. Went out the side gate to walk down to my neighbors. She out was raking leaves, she's also my chicken /turkey sitter. She was standing there laughing. Wasn't sure why until she told me to turn around. Yep...Daisy...running behind me. What a mom's girl. She hopped the gate. I know I'm repeating myself, but a turkey running is the funniest thing! She was good, just hung out with us nibbling on clover. Had to cut our visit short, could hear poor Annie down at my house barking her beak off. Jogged back home, just to get Daisy running & flapping. I know my neighbors think I'm certifiable.

So...do you suppose we'll get invited to Ralphie ' s impending wedding?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16195856

 

[R2elk]

Dec. 5, 2015 @memphis wrote

Can't see your picture Bannturkmom...but welcome!

Hey Feisty! Aren't weekends the best? So what breed is the rooster? Interesting that he's not crowing. I had one Australorp hen who I would have bet was a rooster. She developed a huge comb & waddle, much larger than her sisters. I was convinced she was a roo. But she just ended up being a hen with a huge comb!

I go through the same thing with my turkeys. Anything new is suspect! Then eventually thoroughly inspected. I leaned one of those long handled pruning things against a tree yesterday. It was thoroughly inspected for almost an hour!

Turkey Math may be worse that chicken math! I'm voting for Ralphie being our TURKEY MATH POSTER BOY! Due to his rare and now famous calico flock!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-century-of-turkey-talk-2000-2100.966414/post-16196702