Turkeys For 2013

[Arielle]

Quote: Yes-- if it all you have go for it. Grower is about 15% protein, so you will need to find grower quickly, or add in more protein from other sources. Or use chick starter that is higher than turkey grower. I usually feed 22 % protein to my BR and AUburns. If I had BBB, go 22% or 28%.

 

[UlrikeDG]

I am hoping to get some poults this spring. I have been looking at the Royal Palms and the Narragansett. This will be the first time I have attempted Turkeys. Could be an interesting year.

I'm looking into turkeys for spring (in Iowa), too. I haven't decided what kind. I'd like to raise some for meat this year, then keep over a few for breeding next year. I have 3 kids in 4-H, so showing is a possibility as well.

 

[Celie]

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!!!​

It's 2013 !!!​

 

[Arielle]

Quote: THere are many breeds of turkeys available these days, with some effort to find. HOwever not all are APA if you want to show. THough rule for the kids I don't know and I think there is a section for non- APA-- I don't show so I don't know all the rules. Just an FYI so you get the right birds for showing.

FOr example, I have auburns, but they are not APA; sweetgrass is not APA but narigansetts and bourbon reds are APA and can be shown for sure.

The NEw Hollands seem to be the beefiest. Some of the other heritage are slimmer. The Palms are more ornamental. Small turkeys, BEltsville and Midgets all the way up to bronze and HOllands.

 

[TamTurkey]

I don't know how Iowa works but in Texas. To. Raise show poultry you have to order the birds through the show itself. It evens the playing field and ensures the age and breed.

 

[UlrikeDG]

THere are many breeds of turkeys available these days, with some effort to find. HOwever not all are APA if you want to show. THough rule for the kids I don't know and I think there is a section for non- APA-- I don't show so I don't know all the rules. Just an FYI so you get the right birds for showing.

According to the 2012 Fair Book (2013 not published yet), "Turkey classes will be judged on the same standards as are the Market Broilers." It's pretty vague: http://polkcountyfairiowa.com/fairbook.html

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Good to know for the fairs. THough my understanding from the turkey heritage thread, APA shows have different rules. Guess it all depends on where you want to show.

We definitely need more people showing turkeys !!

 

[Arielle]

As some people are new to turkeys I will throw this out for a reference. PortersTurkeys-- a fabulous color reference on turkeys. Some 20 diferent turkeys, not all are APA. A starting point. Several other hatcherys have good turkeys, ANd local breeders.

 

[kuntrygirl]

[COLOR=B22222]HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!!![/COLOR]​

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[COLOR=0000FF]It's 2013 !!![/COLOR]​

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[Scottingitup]

Arg. Sneaky has moved her nesting area again. No eggs in that spot. Next time I find it I won't remove all the eggs - maybe she'll stay in one spot that way.