Turkeys For 2013

[RockerHen]

Keep us updated on their progress please.
I just candled my eggs and could see movement, they're due to hatch next Saturday May 4, can't wait!

I can assure you I will

My turkey embryos are so much more active than my chickens! Sometimes I can see a little foot or head press up against the shell. They're constantly bouncing around.
I've forgotten to add, I have 4 more eggs under a broody silkie pipping right now, hopefully I'll have some more poults and some pics tomorrow

 

[trunkman]

We'll be looking forward to the pics! Mine seemed to move around when I put the flashlight up to the egg, is it possible that they can see the light with 7 days to go?

 

[PeepsCA]

Check out my confused Turkey Hen...

She had been flirting thru the fence for quite a while, and clearly wanted to be bred by the Eastern Wild Jake on the other side, but laid down and let the Narri Jake on her side of the fence breed her (who she is supposed to be breeding with anyway). Then after he stood and stomped on her 'til she couldn't breathe (and finally bred her... while the other Jake had to watch, lol) she got up, shook off and started strutting at/for the Eastern Wild Jake. She was even dragging her wing tips and puffed up and spit once too. She strutted back and forth pacing the fence line for about 30 mins.












This is the Hen that was broody 4-5 days ago. Hormones, I swear

Turkeys are still cool tho, hormonal or not!

 

[PeepsCA]

Quote: Congrats and good luck! I have 4 batches of Turkey eggs in my 'bators, at various stages of development... been candling a lot (1st hatch of 13 eggs are due for lock-down on Monday). I've candled and hatched a bazillion Guinea keets but I agree, poult embryos are very active in the shell. It's like they are doin' Kung-Fu in there, lol.

 

[redneck farmer]

So my dad is thinking of buying some land near where I live (about 10 acres) an we were thinking of putting cows and hogs on the land ( but the turkeys would only come in contact with cows)
An with some turkeys! My questions are
Can my turkeys be 100% free range turkeys with no coop but good roosting trees?
But my problem with the roosting trees is I would want to clip there wings so they don't fly away an go to another property an never return..
Has anyone ever done this? Just stick some turkeys out on your property an hope they stay without clipping there wings?

 

[Sally8]

So my dad is thinking of buying some land near where I live (about 10 acres) an we were thinking of putting cows and hogs on the land ( but the turkeys would only come in contact with cows)
An with some turkeys! My questions are
Can my turkeys be 100% free range turkeys with no coop but good roosting trees?
But my problem with the roosting trees is I would want to clip there wings so they don't fly away an go to another property an never return..
Has anyone ever done this? Just stick some turkeys out on your property an hope they stay without clipping there wings?

I never have but I know that people do. A couple of things. How are the predators in your area and you do risk them leaving with wild ones. BUT, if I had enough property, that's exactly what I would do. Don't clip their wings if you do let them be totally free. They will need protection to fly away from predators. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? sue

 

[Baybrio]

I remember many many years ago a person with slate colored turkeys had their fence come down in a storm. The turkeys took off and went into the state park across the road. He never could get them all rounded up and today (at least 20 years later) there are still slate turkeys living in the park.

So my thought is the turkeys may leave if you don't clip the wings and fence them in. But really if you don't have a predator problem your turkeys may be happy to stay at the place where food and water are in good supply.

 

[redneck farmer]

Thanks it depends what property we buy I will try to do it

 

[kuntrygirl]

I'm feeling sad because I am selling all of my poults. I guess I need to hatch more. :/

 

[PeepsCA]

I'm feeling sad because I am selling all of my poults.

I guess I need to hatch more.

Awww, lol. Yes you do need to hatch more!

Lockdown for my first batch of Turkey eggs is scheduled for tonight.. I'm SO ready to have them hatch.