Turkeys For 2013

[popsicle]

Hello all,
I got my first two turkeys (BBW) in an assorted batch of chicks. One died the first night. I'm not sure what happened, but I think the one was a bit off from arrival.

Anyhow, over the past couple weeks I've gotten so I like the remaining turkey quite a bit so I ordered more. I couldn't decide which breed, so I ordered a combination of "assorted" and "crossbreds" from Porter. I'm excited to see what arrives! Has anybody ordered the assorted or crossbreds from him before? What kind of variety and colors did you get?

 

[RockerHen]

One of the eggs due to hatch Sunday is pipping! I went to check on the broody hen, and look over her eggs as I do every night, and surprise, there was a pipped egg shifting faintly peeping underneath her! Super excited to see the babies and their colors when they hatch! The mom is a royal palm, the dad is a red bronze (from a cross between a bourbon red and royal palm). I have 4 in this particular hatch, and 4 more due next Monday. My actual turkey hen is building herself another nest, and has collected 10 so far, so maybe she'll go broody soon as well. I'm jumping into this turkey business quickly! I plan to keep the 'prettiest', most unique babies, and eat/sell the rest.

 

[Sally8]

It's a sad day at my house. A while back we were talking about whether or not tom's were aggressive. Tonight my Tom "Chuck" came at my son. He took his foot and pushed Chuck back until DS could get out of the fence. My son is 36 but I have a 5 yr old grandson and twin 3 yr old grand daughters. "Chuck" is going to have to go. I will never take chances with my babes. DH had said a while back that he was acting funny. I am not "close" with any of my birds but that doesn't mean that I can't have a soft spot.

 

[joshm97]

It's a sad day at my house. A while back we were talking about whether or not tom's were aggressive. Tonight my Tom "Chuck" came at my son. He took his foot and pushed Chuck back until DS could get out of the fence. My son is 36 but I have a 5 yr old grandson and twin 3 yr old grand daughters. "Chuck" is going to have to go. I will never take chances with my babes. DH had said a while back that he was acting funny. I am not "close" with any of my birds but that doesn't mean that I can't have a soft spot.

What color was your son waring? My turkeys only go after me if I ware blue red or any violet. He might of just thought your son was another Tom trying to steal his hens...

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Shipped eggs I incubate with the large end up, not on sides in case the air cell is dmaged and can move around. SOme poepl let them set for a few days. or at least 24 hours before setting in the incubator. I personally tip them just slightly right - left, just enough to let them think somone is attending to them. I hand turn so I can do this. Some folks turn on the turn at 24 hours. I don't have any studies of my results . . . . upright definitely makes sense, otherwise a damaged air cell wanders.

Quote: I think WHAT they eat matters as to the flavor. I often think my homegrown BBW tastes like the grocery birds. IT must be the feed.

Quote: Good job! NICE!

x2

 

[Arielle]

Hello all,
I got my first two turkeys (BBW) in an assorted batch of chicks. One died the first night. I'm not sure what happened, but I think the one was a bit off from arrival.

Anyhow, over the past couple weeks I've gotten so I like the remaining turkey quite a bit so I ordered more. I couldn't decide which breed, so I ordered a combination of "assorted" and "crossbreds" from Porter. I'm excited to see what arrives! Has anybody ordered the assorted or crossbreds from him before? What kind of variety and colors did you get?

Basicaly you will get what left over did not sell as breed specific orders-- I ordered Auburns sweetgrass and Narrigansetts. All arrived in good shape.

 

[Sally8]

What color was your son waring? My turkeys only go after me if I ware blue red or any violet. He might of just thought your son was another Tom trying to steal his hens...

I had heard that before, thanks for reminding me. I think Chris had a softer blue t shirt on. Before I do anything, we'll experiment. Problem is will I ever trust him around the kids. My 5 yr old grandson is all boy and even tho he might be at fault. ............ I will add that at those ages, I never leave them outside unattended nor will I let them torment the birds. Thank you again.

 

[chiqita]

I had heard that before, thanks for reminding me. I think Chris had a softer blue t shirt on. Before I do anything, we'll experiment. Problem is will I ever trust him around the kids. My 5 yr old grandson is all boy and even tho he might be at fault. ............ I will add that at those ages, I never leave them outside unattended nor will I let them torment the birds. Thank you again.

I have the same color issue with my tom. Also add nekkid. If I don't wear those colors ( blur on top jeans don't bother him) he's fine. Toms are easy to pen however. If you want to keep him away from your kids just pick him up and stick him in the coop. Not like they can fly off.

I just finished this thread. Got busy and have not had a chance t keep up. Ty for all the fun and info. I will try and keep up so I can comment now!

 

[kuntrygirl]

I think I've had enough for the year. I don't want to see anymore poults.

  I'm just about to get started!

I got my ebay preorder eggs yesterday.  Would have been nice if the seller had let me know they were coming.  (hint hint mister seller ...)  They spent four hours crammed in my mailbox baking in the hot sun before my husband got home and brought them in.  If I know eggs are coming, I meet the mail lady at the box!

Got 'em set up in the coolerbator, pulled one this morning that was seeping.  How do you guys usually deal with shipped eggs?  How long to let them sit upright in the incubator before turning, and then how do you orient them?  Tip back and forth, or lay them on their sides and roll?  I candled them and couldn't see aircells so that doesn't help.  Thought I would have more time to figure out the details. 

You're about to get started and I"m ready to stop.

Wouldn't you know as soon as I said that, I get home yesterday and hatching has begun. I have a new poult and will probably have a staggered hatch. :/

Sorry to hear about the eggs. I hope they are ok.

 

[kuntrygirl]

It's a sad day at my house. A while back we were talking about whether or not tom's were aggressive. Tonight my Tom "Chuck" came at my son. He took his foot and pushed Chuck back until DS could get out of the fence. My son is 36 but I have a 5 yr old grandson and twin 3 yr old grand daughters. "Chuck" is going to have to go. I will never take chances with my babes. DH had said a while back that he was acting funny. I am not "close" with any of my birds but that doesn't mean that I can't have a soft spot.

Awwwwwwww. Sorry to hear that.