Turkey Talk for 2014

[desertmarcy]

Well, I am not so sure she is OK. I found a fairly large amount of feathers at the end of the pasture but no signs of her.

I could not find any signs of a nest either. What predator would be large enough to carry her off like that. I assume a coyote could but is there anything else? Her sisters are sitting on some of her eggs so at least I can hope for some of her babies. Turkey boy has been looking and calling for her ever since she left.

A bobcat could definitely carry her off. Or large neighborhood dog. I hope you find her, but large amount of feathers is not a good sign.

 

[Sydney Acres]

Quote:
Oh dear, the large amount of feathers are not a good sign. There are a large number of predators that can carry off a turkey -- it depends on what you have in your area. Was the end of the pasture near some woods or other cover where a predator could hide and wait, then attack before she could fly away? Was there a trail of feathers left, where you might be able to follow? It's possible that she got away from the predator, and he only got a mouth full of feathers. Try to find a feather trail if possible. Hopefully she is ok, but this is really worrisome. Are you sure they were her feathers, or are there other birds in the area with similar plumage?

 

[Sydney Acres]

Thank u so much. And ur right he walks all day long. Their coop is in the back part of the yard, and he has to go up a hill to get to the front yard. We have fruit trees along the side and they like to wonder around looking for snacks. (Sorry I was unclear those pictures were from today.) He is very social with our family. I guess I just thought turkeys laid eggs like chickens. I am really new at this. I still have a few of her eggs in the fridge. Maybe next year I will try to incubate one and see what happens. I really did not realize how much I would enjoy them. Oh the grill wasn't on! After they made it their spot at night, we lost the grill for the season we were in the process of building the coop and they stayed close to the house. We are happy they have a home and we can grill again again thank you, it is nice to have somewhere to learn and ask questions.

Since she just recently stopped laying, and the days are still progressively getting longer, she may restart again after a rest period and her brain detects a lengthening photoperiod.

My turkeys love hanging out under fruit trees. I can't wait to see how they enjoy the cherries when some of the fruit starts to fall.

 

[NewToFarming]

Oh dear, the large amount of feathers are not a good sign. There are a large number of predators that can carry off a turkey -- it depends on what you have in your area. Was the end of the pasture near some woods or other cover where a predator could hide and wait, then attack before she could fly away? Was there a trail of feathers left, where you might be able to follow? It's possible that she got away from the predator, and he only got a mouth full of feathers. Try to find a feather trail if possible. Hopefully she is ok, but this is really worrisome. Are you sure they were her feathers, or are there other birds in the area with similar plumage?

The feathers were localized in one area but it was very windy here yesterday so they were blown around a bit but there was no trail. There was no woods near this area, just more open fields. Just tall dead grass from last year but that is all laying over and dead. Nothing is really growing there as of yet. They did look like turkey feathers, more like the body feathers and not the tail feathers. There are wild turkeys in the area but these sure looked like hers from what I could tell. There were no signs of blood or anything like that where I found the feathers. I have only ever seen a possum here on occasion. I am sure there could be other predators that I haven't seen. I am hoping for the best but it doesn't look so good.

 

[SilkieSensation]

I have decided I am concerned.

The BBW are still growing plenty tall, but they seem to not be putting on weight. I have them on FF, 28% grower. They are five - weeks-old, and the scale says they are only about 3 pounds each.

They tend to get tall first & then fill in. No worries, give them some time. By 5-6 month they will be so fat you will barely remember what they looked like at this age.

 

[BullChick]

Quote:
Thank you, SS. Now, didn't you say you had chicks to deliver in PA? I think you also mentioned wanting to help me build this stupid pen today! Yup, yup! I am sure you said you wanted to help me!

 

[SilkieSensation]

Quote:
Thank you, SS. Now, didn't you say you had chicks to deliver in PA? I think you also mentioned wanting to help me build this stupid pen today! Yup, yup! I am sure you said you wanted to help me!

If I had a car I'd be glad to bring you a TON of chicks & even help with your pen a bit.

 

[BullChick]

Quote:

Thank you, SS. Now, didn't you say you had chicks to deliver in PA? I think you also mentioned wanting to help me build this stupid pen today! Yup, yup! I am sure you said you wanted to help me!

If I had a car I'd be glad to bring you a TON of chicks & even help with your pen a bit.

HEY HEY HEY!!!!! I did not say I wanted more chicks!! Nooooooooo!!!!

 

[SilkieSensation]

Quote:

Thank you, SS. Now, didn't you say you had chicks to deliver in PA? I think you also mentioned wanting to help me build this stupid pen today! Yup, yup! I am sure you said you wanted to help me!

If I had a car I'd be glad to bring you a TON of chicks & even help with your pen a bit.

HEY HEY HEY!!!!! I did not say I wanted more chicks!! Nooooooooo!!!!

Oh, but if I come visit I HAVE to bring chicks along. That's the rule!

 

[chicken pickin]

Oh, but if I come visit I HAVE to bring chicks along. That's the rule!

Good rule!