Turkens have turned out surprisingly to be one of my favs

[flowerchild59]

I purchased 30 chicks last may that were all brown egg layers from MM. The were all sexed properly and I have at least 9 different breeds. I received 4 buffs and one black turken. I didn't think I liked them at first but my 5 are amazingly friendly, quite talkative and lay really large eggs compared to the other breeds I have. It seems two of them are getting broody. Are your turkens on the broody side??
Which breed did you raise that you didn't like at first but now is one of your favs????

 

[greenSearcher]

I got my Naked Necks this year because DH thought they were cool. I have Oakley and his 5 Annies, one girl is black and the others that red buff color. I have one girl that is giving me her pullet egg and the others are getting even redder in the face, so I suspect I will have dozens of little eggs soon. They are really such sweeties, and yes they are talkers. I did a wing trim a couple days ago, and they practically purred when I rubbed their combs, wattles and necks with the Bag Balm. I am going to cross them w/ Delawares, hoping they have the stronger personality. I hope to get a heavier meat bird from the cross.

I have most liked the birds I have gotten, but I have a short but growing list of not again, with Barred Rock at the top. I will decide on the Delawares by the end of summer, but so far I'm not impressed and I have found the Silkies a disappointment. At 15 wks, the 3 that have survived are good sized birds, nearly as large as BAs. I am hoping that one is a girl, or otherwise I will have crosses for my broodies. Will wait and see.

 

[sheila3935]

Quote:
It is so weird that you talk about crossing them with a Delaware. I have some in the incubator right now. My NN's are partridge color and daddy is a beautiful Delaware roo. Im wondering what color NN I will get out of this mix. They are due to hatch Februaury 10th. I love my NN's I only have 2 Nadia and Natasha. They lay nice size eggs and lay very well.

 

[gritsar]

I love my four turkens that I got in June. I have three pullets and one cockerel. The cockerel, Impy, is turning out to be a great little roo. He takes care of his girls, comes running if any of them holler and, my favorite part, he refuses to enter the coop at night until all the girls are in.
My favorite girl of the turkens is named Ivy. She's black with gold lacing on her bowtie and chest. Beautiful girl, plus she's already laying good-sized pink eggs that are always very shiny, like they've been polished.

ETA: I have a turken/easter egger cross in the bator that is trying its best to hatch right now.

 

[Pinky]

Are turkens good brooders/mother hens?

 

[flowerchild59]

I went out this morning and the buff turken is still acting broody. If she keeps it up I may separate her and give her some fertile eggs and see what she will do.