Turkey Talk for 2014

[Brandi Leigh]

Wow, some beautiful pictures in this forum.

 

[EthenNoah]

Ok thanks for the replys I also think I have 3 hens but I will try to get some better pictures.

 

[grinningranny]

About the head feathering...I was sold a 5-6 month old Tom that I (total novice) insisted was a hen for the 1st week because he had a full, beautiful neck of feathers with a lovely Mohawk over the top of his head. But he gobbles, his face turns blue and his snood grows when he struts, he has a beard just starting to peek out and he's bigger than the girls. I think with turkeys there are always exceptions.

 

[Reyvaughn]

About the head feathering...I was sold a 5-6 month old Tom that I (total novice) insisted was a hen for the 1st week because he had a full, beautiful neck of feathers with a lovely Mohawk over the top of his head. But he gobbles, his face turns blue and his snood grows when he struts, he has a beard just starting to peek out and he's bigger than the girls. I think with turkeys there are always exceptions.

I had one that had quite a mohawk, but by 16-18wks he lost it. I am by no means an expert, I have only had 19 turkeys and this is my first year. I have been 100% on sexing since day one (after educating myself on the 2013 thread). I guess I have some beginners luck yet!

 

[AmericanMom]

I have Narragansett turkeys...they are gorgeous birds, they grow fast, toms 20 pound hens 18 and the hens are pretty too...they are hardy, calm, smart, I also like the Bourbon Reds because they are all of the above...they are good breeders, the hens are wonderful mothers and the eggs and meat are VERY good!! They both are east to keep and I hope that helps you decide...also they are heritage turkeys and natural breeders not like the poor commercial breed!!

My tom Mr. Henry...sorry he is sideways!!

Sorry it took me awhile to check in... What a beauty!!! i have done a bit of research and I've heard and read many good things about this breed.. This is Def at the top of my list and as we get closer to the time to start raising them Im sure I'll be on here as much as I was in the chicken forum

 

[chknoodles]

A few things we can discuss could be.

1. Are you prepared for Turkey season for 2014?
This is our first year with Turkeys...is anyone REALLY completely prepared?? LOL

2. When do your hens start laying eggs?
I think here in Crump, TN (38327), they will start in January, although our first three (we got from neighbors who incubated) were an early May hatch date. The boys are all dancing around right now, but my girls don't seem that interested.

3. What breeds do you plan on raising for 2014?
We have 3 breeding pens: Standard Bronze with Standard Bronze hens, Standard Bronze with 50/50 hens (Bronze and we think local wild), and the 3rd pen has a successful mating pair of Rio Grande that we adopted about a month ago. The Rio hen laid 70 last year and went broody twice.

4. What is your current Tom/Hen Ratio?
Pen 1 - 2 mix hens, one full Bronze Tom
Pen 2 - 3 full Bronze hens and a full Bronze Tom
Pen 3 - 1 Rio Tom and 1 Rio Hen

5. How many poults do you plan on hatching?
All the eggs that aren't purchased will be either brooded by the hens (hope they help) and others will be incubated. This will be the first year for 5 of the hens, and I don't know what they will each lay.

6. Did you order any poults from other hatcheries? If so, what hatchery, what breed and how many are you expecting?
Nope - hoping our 9 will be enough to get a good start.

7. Are you ordering turkey eggs from someone? If so, how many?
Same answer as above (note: husband may make me a liar, he has been talking NARRIGANSETTS!)

8. Will you be using an incubator to hatch your turkey eggs?
Yes, but hope some will have a broody mother.

9. Do you want your hens to go broody so that they can hatch eggs?
Yes, see #8

10. Will you be selling eggs and/or poults?
Yes, both.

11. What are your feed plans for 2014? Anyone trying fermented feed for their flock?
All in runs, we feed 30% protein game feed and supplement with grass clippings and 5-grain scratch.

12. Do you have your housing ready for your poults and turkeys?
The 3 runs with "hutches" are done. We will be adding a grow-out pen as soon as we get one more tree dropped in that area.

13. How many turkeys will you be processing for your freezer for 2014?
Probably 10 roasters, then any "extras" for ground, jerky and mixed bags of legs, wings and breasts (I hope).

14. What did you do this year that you want to do different next year (2014)?
Ask me again next December! LOL

 

[Arielle]

 

[chicken pickin]

2013 Thanksgiving turkeys were processed yesterday. 5 turkeys, they weighed in at 14lbs(BR Tom), 25lbs(BBW Hen), 25.5lbs(BBW Hen), 32lbs(BBW TOM) and 37lbs(BBW Tom).

Sold 2 turkeys last night to customers

Now to figure out how to cook a 37lb turkey lol.

 

[fallenangel79]

I wood like to get some turkeys are they nice or main ?

 

[chicken pickin]

I wood like to get some turkeys are they nice or main ?

Turkeys are typically very nice and very friendly. They have puppy-like personalities most of the time. They are curious, very social and personable. Of course some individual turkeys might not have a great personality but for the most part they are sweet.