Turkey Talk for 2014

[dheltzel]

Most non-commercial (i.e. "heritage") breeds stay much smaller. Still some variation of course. I'd suggest you look at the Royal Palms, they are one of the smallest and usually regarded as more ornamental than meat birds for just that reason (people raising for meat generally want the largest they can get). That breed is very common, at least in my area, there are usually several listings on craigslist, and that avoids having to buy 15 poults from a hatchery. Buying locally is great for a lot of reasons.

I have some mottled blacks, which are very close to royal palms (genetically). The hens are so tame they will fly up on my shoulder if I have my back turned to them. Real personality, so much you may find it hard to kill them (maybe they know that, LOL).

 

[TNBEARCHICK]

Our Bourbons are sweet but turkey does taste very good. We will probably process another one next week.

 

[chickadoodles]

We are hunkered down for a miserable winter here-- below freezing with the wind chill, and 7 inches of snow-- don't expect my hens to be laying any time soon until the lights go on!!

So sorry it is so cold and your getting all the snow....

Hopefully you will get an early spring!

 

[chickadoodles]

Ellie never ceases to crack me up! she seems to have some sort of an infatuation with feet....She struts around everytime I move my feet around....

She is very pretty! I just love turkey and they way they show off their personalities...

 

[fintuckyfarms]

Any heritage breed like the Narraganset make awesome backyard pets are quite broody and good mothers.

 

[Arielle]

Hello all, I was thinking about raising Turkeys this year. How difficult is it to dispatch and process them if I get extras? I'm used to processing my muscovy ducks and chickens.

I have a large canning pot-- the cornish X fit in it easily, and the heritage turkeys take a few more dunks to cover all the bird. Managing a heavier bird can be a challenge, but well worth a nice turkey roast. The BBW I take to a licensed processor for $10 each.

Okay, here's my stupid question of the day, Lol. I want beautiful turkeys that are as interesting and fun to watch as my chickens but that won't get uber huge. I have a small oven.. what do y'all recomend?

Depends on what you mean by a small oven. Most of the heritage breeds are much smaller than the BBW in the market-- also depends on what age you process them. My med sized heritage types that free range and walk around rather than stand and have grain poured into them finished at 14# dressed at about 9 months. IF I let them grow older, they get bigger.

Many of the smaller turkeys do not stay at the desired small size- I have been reading that they need heavy selection to stay small-- so be sure to buy from someone who can verify the adult size and not just quote the breed standard. Or just butcher at the desired size.

Quote: It was about 0 degrees here lastnight-- wickedly cold for this location. A few days here and there of 10-15 is normal; the average low is about 20-25. Lots of chicken soup on the stove!!

 

[abmaddox1981]

I think we are looking at bourbon reds for now and Royal palms when I can find some. Hardly anyone here raises those, usually they're crossed with bronzes.

 

[kuntrygirl]

We are hunkered down for a miserable winter here-- below freezing with the wind chill, and 7 inches of snow-- don't expect my hens to be laying any time soon until the lights go on!!

Ouch. And I was complaining about our 29 degree weather. I have nothing to complain about after reading your weather.

 

[Ardizzone7]

Ouch. And I was complaining about our 29 degree weather. I have nothing to complain about after reading your weather.

Here in Indiana we are supposed to get -10 for the high for 2 days and 12" of snow. With wind chill it will be as bad as -45. I am really not looking forward to it :-(.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Your hot summer makes up for our winter. lol

Quote: I feel for you!! Your weather is more extreme than here where the ocean keep us milder. I can understand you not looking forward to -45!! Keep safe!!