Turkey Talk for 2014

[chknoodles]

I want to hatch some and sell, I also want to sell some of the fertile eggs.. will they lay all summer or do they lay just a certain amount?

Ours started laying the first week of March last year (first year hens) and continued to lay until about Mid-September. Our hens are 2 year hens this year and am hoping they will start laying sooner. they've been mating a few weeks now.

 

[AmericanMom]

Thanks everyone! I didn't expect an egg yesterday so I wasn't disappointed that there wasn't one, I figure it will not be until it grows warmer that eggs will appear on a more regular basis, I am hoping for every other day for now..

Spent alittle time yesterday just watching and both the hens display to the tom now and the one that I never saw squat for him did yesterday, of course she moved away when he tried to mount her but I am sure they will get it figured out

 

[gevshiba]

One of my hens squatted for me today and not one tom in the flock.

At least my customer who was buying turkey eating eggs will be happy.

 

[SilkieSensation]

One of my hens squatted for me today and not one tom in the flock.  At least my customer who was buying turkey eating eggs will be happy. 

I have a trio of slates for sale if you are close enough. I'm in northeast Ohio.

 

[gevshiba]

I have a trio of slates for sale if you are close enough. I'm in northeast Ohio.

Sorry, I'm in TX. I don't have a place to quarantine, so I had decided to order eggs and hatch out some new, unrelated stock. Now I might be re-thinking that. I do have a tractor I used for my first turkeys. I could put it back together and use it to quarantine. Hmmm. But then, the eggs are ordered. But then, I could keep any nice hens from the hatch. Finding a nice BR tom might be tricky. Or not. I might need to go think some more.

 

[SilkieSensation]

I have a trio of slates for sale if you are close enough. I'm in northeast Ohio.

 Sorry, I'm in TX.  I don't have a place to quarantine, so I had decided to order eggs and hatch out some new, unrelated stock.  Now I might be re-thinking that.  I do have a tractor I used for my first turkeys.  I could put it back together and use it to quarantine.  Hmmm.  But then, the eggs are ordered.  But then, I could keep any nice hens from the hatch.  Finding a nice BR tom might be tricky.  Or not.  I might need to go think some more. 

Yup, Texas is a bit of a far trip. Good luck finding a tom.

 

[Attila the Hen]

One of my hens squatted for me today and not one tom in the flock.

At least my customer who was buying turkey eating eggs will be happy.

I have a pair of midget whites and one offspring that survived the first clutch. The second time she was fertile I gave her chicken eggs to raise because it was almost winter and I think the chickens are hardier. She is ready to mate again.

Since the beginning the mating process has always included me. She will come over to me and squat waiting for the tom. I think it is because the tom is in love with me and she thinks the way to entice him is to hang out with me.
It is even more complicated now with the jake--all four of us. She used to have to sit on my foot to mate--just to make sure he'd come over. Very funny. I'd really rather not be involved.........

So it looks like she'll start laying again. I'm not sure what to do with the turkeys that survive. I really don't have room for more. I won't try to stop her broodiness. It seems cruel -- she is such a good mother.

I know everyone will laugh at me but I don't want to sell my birds to someone who won't let them free range.

 

[AmericanMom]

I have a pair of midget whites and one offspring that survived the first clutch. The second time she was fertile I gave her chicken eggs to raise because it was almost winter and I think the chickens are hardier. She is ready to mate again.

Since the beginning the mating process has always included me. She will come over to me and squat waiting for the tom. I think it is because the tom is in love with me and she thinks the way to entice him is to hang out with me.
It is even more complicated now with the jake--all four of us. She used to have to sit on my foot to mate--just to make sure he'd come over. Very funny. I'd really rather not be involved.........

So it looks like she'll start laying again. I'm not sure what to do with the turkeys that survive. I really don't have room for more. I won't try to stop her broodiness. It seems cruel -- she is such a good mother.

I know everyone will laugh at me but I don't want to sell my birds to someone who won't let them free range.

I completely understand and feel the same way. I cannot stand to see a bird, be it turkey or chicken , enclosed in a small coop and small run.. Right now we have allowed the birds full access to the acre we have but generally they have 1/3 acre, were in the process of expanding their area to nearly 1/2-3/4 acre.... I love going to my back door and seeing most of them lined up at the bottom of the porch steps, but can do without the poo

If it will ever quit raining here we might get that fencing project done today lol

 

[duluthralphie]

I love coming out the back door to stand on the landing and have birds come running towards me, 10o little eye balls all staring at me and watching my every action and listening to every word I say...Or waiting for me to through them a treat.

When I walk through the yard they follow my every step, I feel like a king or gang leader at the least!

Poo washes off..

 

[chickadoodles]

My Pit Bull ripped open one of my Bourbon turkey pens and got one of my hens and killed it early this morning before we got up. I have been so upset all day! All my birds are so upset I can't believe this happened!