Turkey Talk for 2014

[duluthralphie]

Oh, I totally understand. It is a lot of work to get all set up and clean up. I don't like butchering less than 5 birds at a time myself, 10 is better. If they are May hatch, they should be plenty finished unless they have been wormy and not putting on weight because of that.

I have shot wild turkeys that are smaller than them, but they are not aways that big either. I think if the weather is good this weekend it will happen.3 Jakes and one nameless rooster will go to camp. I guess I am just use to the size of BBW turkeys and they are not close to that and never will be. Hopefully they will taste better!

 

[desertmarcy]

I have shot wild turkeys that are smaller than them, but they are not aways that big either. I think if the weather is good this weekend it will happen.3 Jakes and one nameless rooster will go to camp. I guess I am just use to the size of BBW turkeys and they are not close to that and never will be. Hopefully they will taste better!

Yes, if you have been raising broad breasted and these are your first heritage, I can see how they would look small! I really like to brine mine for a day or two before cooking. It makes them taste great, and more moist. You can make a basic salt brine but it is better if you make a vegetable/seasoning brine.

 

[AmericanMom]

Day 26 Turkey eggs and day 19 chicken eggs...

got a pip on one of the turkey eggs! I thought I might have heard a peep a bit ago!!

Although I am excited I realize my temps are running a bit high... When I reset next week I will make sure to adjust it down a tad, humidity looks good tho, sitting at 68%


In other news... Have two broody hens out in the coop (chicken) each setting on 12 eggs, made a blockade for them so they wont be bothered by laying hens.. Go out each day between 3-3:30 and open their nesting boxes up so they can get out and do their business, like clockwork, within 30 min both are up and about... Went out at 4:30, both back on the nests except they switched nest...lol.. No biggy as they are just a day or two apart in setting.. Left cover off as the hens were mostly done laying...Turkey hen sitting on lower nest box, thumbs up.. I got this figured out...


WRONG

Just went out to gather turkey hens egg, broody off the nest clucking and fussing, one egg on ground broke, turkey egg in broody nest... Moral of story, when hens have had their time off nest, reblock nest immediately

so one hen has 11 eggs and the other has 12

 

[gevshiba]

I have shot wild turkeys that are smaller than them, but they are not aways that big either. I think if the weather is good this weekend it will happen.3 Jakes and one nameless rooster will go to camp. I guess I am just use to the size of BBW turkeys and they are not close to that and never will be. Hopefully they will taste better!

I just had Bourbon Red breast last night for supper. De-lishes! So much more flavor than the BB's. My first turkeys were Eastern and that was the most flavorful turkey I've ever had.

 

[gevshiba]

Look what I got today!

 

[feedman77]

Look what I got today!

congratulations. Is it your first for the year. I found one of my 10 month old hens slipping off today. Watched where she went. Saw her in the yard later. Went to that spot and found a nest with 5 eggs in it. So I set 7 eggs of my turkeys in the bator today.

 

[Regin]

I have two eggs from my girl, but not sure if they are fertile. I haven't seen them breed.

How long can I keep the eggs before setting in the incubator?

 

[chicken pickin]

Look what I got today!

Congrats! Oh how I love turkey eggs!

I have not gotten any yet this year. Still waiting and looking everyday. Im looking forward to eating some YUM

 

[chickadoodles]

Look what I got today!

Congratulations! I hope you get many more this season.

 

[feedman77]

I have two eggs from my girl, but not sure if they are fertile.  I haven't seen them breed.

How long can I keep the eggs before setting in the incubator?

I would say about 10 days. After the eggs potential viability could go down.

I found a nest with 5 in it today. Gave them about 5 hours at room temp. and placed them in the incubator.

I will candle at seven to ten days and check fertility.