Turkey Talk for 2014

[chickadoodles]

Chicken pickin I read an article that said to lock the turkey up in a small pen and feed only corn to add weight to them before processing. I believe it was Mr. Frank Reese that wrote that.

I don't blame you for not want to feed them any longer. I put a couple in the freezer and cooked one and sold a few. Now I only have one extra tom but keeping him for a back up.

 

[duluthralphie]

I don't expect eggs until late March/early April.

Thinking of processing a few Toms this weekend, cant decide though if I want them to grow out a little bit longer or not, they are only 6months old. Im tired of feeding extra Toms though so this weekend might be the time.

I think of doing that everyday!

I need to be rid of 3 Toms before the eggs start coming. However, since JJ has started ruling with a little stronger fist, their behavior is better.

 

[chicken pickin]

I think of doing that everyday!

I need to be rid of 3 Toms before the eggs start coming. However, since JJ has started ruling with a little stronger fist, their behavior is better.

How many hens do you have with your Toms?

 

[duluthralphie]

How many hens do you have with your Toms?

Not enough, LOL.

I only have 9 turkeys, they all free range and are kind of pets.

I have 5 Toms and 4 hens. One tom and one hen are "red slate" some kind of cross that turned them from blue slates to a red, I will be keeping them separate and breeding them together.

The others are all slate blues. 2 toms are blues, 2 are self blue, I will be keeping only 1 blue, the rest need to be gone or in freezer camp before they become over bearing to my hens.

 

[Bill1234]

What is the best breed of turkey's to raise for meat.

 

[chickadoodles]

What is the best breed of turkey's to raise for meat.

That really depends on how fast you want to send them to freezer camp.
The broad breasted will be ready at about 5 months old and will taste like a butter ball.

The Heritage birds are slower growing and take about 18 months to 2 yrs. reach full size depending on their diet and you can't beat the taste and you'll never want another butter ball!

 

[Bill1234]

Thank you chicksdoodles

 

[duluthralphie]

What is the best breed of turkey's to raise for meat.

Bill, I am thinking you should start your turkey experience with 3 Toms, Say 2 lavender/self blues and a blue?

Maybe something about 8- 9 months old?

I hear Minnesota birds do well where you live...

 

[chickadoodles]

Quote: Your welcome Bill..

Duluthralphie are you offering to help Bill out with some good started birds? lol

 

[duluthralphie]

Your welcome Bill..

Duluthralphie are you offering to help Bill out with some good started birds? lol

I am!!

Besides who would not want to visit beautiful tropical Minnesota in the winter?