Turkey Talk for 2014

[Arielle]

WOw, love seeing all the new faces to this thread!! In the past the thread runs for one year, another is started in Nov- Dec and the current one closed at the end of December . . . .so if you are looking for specific information , please have a look at the 2013 thread too.

I now have THREE hens sitting on the BR eggs; two hens ont he AUburn mix eggs and one hen missing. Which usually means either she flew into coyote territory, or she is nesting elsewhere . . . any one care to guess???

 

[OzarkCountryGirl]

one hen missing. Which usually means either she flew into coyote territory, or she is nesting elsewhere . . . any one care to guess???

that she's simply gone off to nest and will soon reappear with a huge clutch of active little poults.

I just candled my incubator full of eggs last night and all of the eggs but one have a red splotch with lots of veins. This is my second attempt at hatching shipped Narragansett turkey eggs, as my first attempt was a total failure (most of the eggs were clear and the rest developed blood rings by the 2nd week, and were from a different breeder). Keeping my fingers crossed that this batch is successful. It's been a bit expensive, but if even a third of this batch hatch out, I'll be in the black. But even if just a couple of eggs hatch, I'll not be upset.

 

[Arielle]

I made one pass thru her very large pen--- a few more areas to check more thoroughly.

OH I sure hope you have at least a few hatch!!

Narriganseets are lovely, I have 2 toms which either need a home or are bound for feezer camp.

 

[Arielle]

I have 8 turkey eggs looking for an incubator-- PM me if interested in buying a number of mixed breed turkey eggs.

 

[Sueg4332]

no nest



I took someone suggestion just to put the hay close to her and she'd build a nest. Boy she buil a nice one..

My problem today is I check the incubator turkey eggs they were not infertile. Last time I messed with her nest she quit it. She has been setting for 13 days I'll like to go out there tonight and candle the eggs. No use her sitting if there not any good. It is bumping 95 degree everyday here in California.. I think she only has 4 eggs. I am afraid she'll quit the nest again. What do ya think...Hate to see a turkey work that hard if not fertile....

 

[SilkieSensation]

no nest I took someone suggestion just to put the hay close to her and she'd build a nest. Boy she buil a nice one.. My problem today is I check the incubator turkey eggs they were not infertile. Last time I messed with her nest she quit it. She has been setting for 13 days I'll like to go out there tonight and candle the eggs. No use her sitting if there not any good. It is bumping 95 degree everyday here in California.. I think she only has 4 eggs. I am afraid she'll quit the nest again. What do ya think...Hate to see a turkey work that hard if not fertile....

That was me Now a candling suggestion. You have 2 options: 1. Reach under her at night to candle & hope she doesn't spaz out. 2. Wait until she's off the nest to eat. Post a lookout if possible so she doesn't catch you. Throw a heavy blanket over you & the nest. Hold flashlight against eggs to candle without moving them just to check for veining. Run before she catches you!

 

[K Epp]

My poor crazy hen Bonnie Blue... I have had to get her out of the creek at lock up every night for the last week. For you those of you who don't remember she is the rescue I got who can see far off, but has trouble seeing things up close. She has other mental issues as well. For example when she lays eggs she just sops walking where ever she is and squats lays the egg gets up and keeps on going. Yes in totally random places. I have hatched some of her eggs and non have had any defects. I'm going on a guess, but think she suffered some type of brain injury. When I first got her I kept her separated in my garage until she was well enough to go in the flock with my other birds. At first I still brought her in every night. Then I moved her into the barn with my other turkey and animals. She went in at dark just like everyone else. They about a month ago I had to start getting her out of a Laural thicket every night and put her in the barn. Now she is in the creek every night. Some times in the water up to her belly. Now the tom is sleeping out side too , but at least he is p against the barn and I don't have to go fishing for him every night. Whats up with these silly birds? Any one have any suggestions. I still lock them up every night, but my yard is secure so far with no night time pr editors. I have lost small chickens 1 to a owl and one to a hawk. The dogs keep the lad predators out to my knowledge.

 

[Sueg4332]

That was me

Now a candling suggestion. You have 2 options:

1. Reach under her at night to candle & hope she doesn't spaz out.

2. Wait until she's off the nest to eat. Post a lookout if possible so she doesn't catch you. Throw a heavy blanket over you & the nest. Hold flashlight against eggs to candle without moving them just to check for veining. Run before she catches you!

going to try to candle tonight I hope she has something growing. write more tonight after dark

 

[SilkieSensation]

Quote: As soon as you find even 1 with veins leave her alone & put them back.

 

[Arielle]

FOUND THE HEN!!!

Hiding under a bush. It was a rainy day here and the males sat on their perches allllllllll day sp hoped she had decided to do the same where ever she was and with warm daylight tomorrow she would show up for a meal. DH couldn't wait that long so he went hunting . . . .lol

@ Sue-- good luck tonight-- eager to hear your findings!!!