Turkenstein25's Turkey Talk for 2015

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Has anyone tried a cone with a turkey?
I'm inexperienced, but we're doing our first batch of meat birds in Spring, right before we get the turkeys and that's how I'm planning to dispatch those guys. I know turkeys, ducks, etc are all a little more difficult than chickens though.

I've always used a cone with chickens, but when it came to turkeys, they were way to big and strong for the cone. I decided to do the hatchet to the head method. While I did use a big sack (laundry bag) with a corner cut out to draw down over their neck to help control the wings and feet, I didn't think to use the bag to hang them like a cone and slit the throat. I might try that if and when I decide to do turkeys again next year. Sorry, I don't know how to do the "don't read unless you are planning on butchering" thing. Sorry if the topic is offensive to anyone. My birds have to be productive members of the homestead, they can't simply be pets.

 

[Brookshire11]

We have a killing comb for chickens, but it is much to small for turkeys. we use a fed sack with a hole cut in one corner. Actually in our experience, out of the three ( turkeys, chickens and ducks) Turkeys are the easiest to butcher.

I didn't think about the strength factor! Thanks!

I've always used a cone with chickens, but when it came to turkeys, they were way to big and strong for the cone. I decided to do the hatchet to the head method. While I did use a big sack (laundry bag) with a corner cut out to draw down over their neck to help control the wings and feet, I didn't think to use the bag to hang them like a cone and slit the throat. I might try that if and when I decide to do turkeys again next year. Sorry, I don't know how to do the "don't read unless you are planning on butchering" thing. Sorry if the topic is offensive to anyone. My birds have to be productive members of the homestead, they can't simply be pets.

Doesn't bother me...if anything, I didn't think about being sensitive either :/ Oops!
We have our layers, then we'll have the meaties in Spring...And then the turkeys!
I knew before I ordered them, what they would be for... we're getting two though, so if they REALLY grown on me, one may get to stay, who knows lol.
And thanks for the advice!

 

[mymilliefleur]

I didn't think about the strength factor! Thanks!

Doesn't bother me...if anything, I didn't think about being sensitive either :/ Oops!
We have our layers, then we'll have the meaties in Spring...And then the turkeys!
I knew before I ordered them, what they would be for... we're getting two though, so if they REALLY grown on me, one may get to stay, who knows lol.
And thanks for the advice!

I have a trio of turkeys that I keep for breeding. then I have two yough toms that I we're raising for meat. One of my hens I just raised this past summer, and she is very sweet and lovable, definitely off the menu. I'm going to eat the toms though, since they will most likely be aggressive. in fact one of them all ready tried to attack my sister the other day when she had her back turned. I guess it's almost time to have some roast turkey.....

 

[Brookshire11]

I have a trio of turkeys that I keep for breeding. then I have two yough toms that I we're raising for meat. One of my hens I just raised this past summer, and she is very sweet and lovable, definitely off the menu. I'm going to eat the toms though, since they will most likely be aggressive. in fact one of them all ready tried to attack my sister the other day when she had her back turned. I guess it's almost time to have some roast turkey.....

Oh no! lol
Yeah...not good.
I'm hoping to get 1 hen and 1 tom...one to eat, one to keep! lol
But we'll see

 

[Book Em Danno25]

who wants to share their plans?

 

[flockman]

I am planning to get White Holland's to have as a pair or trio. I also want a few BBW turkeys as well. I have to find a breeder for the Holland's.

 

[B J Hopkins]

Question. I have 5 adult turkey.3 Burbon red,1Blue Slate & 1 Rusty Black. Then 3 Burbon Red poults. My oldest hen will be 4years this coming spring. The Blue Slate will be 3yrs in the spring, her RustyBlack will be 2, and so will a Burbon red. The Gobbler will be 2 in the summer. How long is a hen good for breeding and laying eggs and how long is the gobbler good for breeding?

 

[Book Em Danno25]

well.. mine started at 1-2, but they ended that winter when they were 2.

 

[Book Em Danno25]

yours might be different.

 

[AmericanMom]

Hi everyone!!!

It is time to discuss our turkey plans for this year.

A few chat idea starters could be:

-How many turkeys do you have?
-How many poults do you plan on hatching?
-What breeds do you want/have?
-where are you getting your eggs from?
-will you be raising your turkeys for meat?
-will you be raising them for pets, etc?
-what type of housing are you going to use for your birds?
-what will you feed them?
-will you be using an incubator to hatch your eggs?
-do you want your hens to be broody so they can hatch eggs?
-what kinds of waterers, feeders,etc will you be using?

Please feel free to post anything you want about your turkeys, past, or present, to include posting pictures of your precious babies. Our discussion about turkeys isn't limited to the topics above. If you need help, tips, just feel free to ask on this thread and lay back and wait for our talented turkey experts. just remember that no question or idea is dumb, don't be afraid to ask something.

We are all turkey lovers here and I know from experience on here that they are more than willing to help. We are all here to learn from eachother.

The most important rule: all BYC rules apply.

Lets talk turkey!

Hi!!! I remember this thread last year and my desire to have turkeys! I have a tom and two hens, Bourbon Reds, they are just now 7 months old so I am expecting the hens to start laying March/April. every egg that is fertile will be incubated, whether in the incubator, broody chicken or Turkey. I plan on keeping 5-10 to raise for butchering and selling the rest but I know first hand how hard they are to raise so I would be happy with whatever. I learned a lot last year so I am hoping this year is a bit easier. Our Turkeys free range with the chickens, they refuse to be separated (we tried three times) they feed inside the coop and roost on top at night. Our turkeys are fed along with the chickens an all purpose flock raiser and kitchen scraps. Layers get free choice oyster shells on the side. After some health issues and the loss of some turkeys poults I started mixing oil of oregano into their feed twice a week, I also mix in Cayenne pepper and give free choice AVC in one of their waterers.. Since starting them on this they have had no more issues.

I am so excited for them to start, the tom has really started displaying and gobbling for the ladies and the other day I watched one of the hens display around with him.. Last year I remember reading the 2014 thread with envy hoping beyond all hope I could get some eggs or turkeys. I love having them and cant wait for spring!!!







Pictures are about 6 weeks ago