Turkeys For 2013

[chickadoodles]

So how did your turkey canning go Arielle?

 

[chicken pickin]

My juveniles have become total trouble makers. On the car.

Pestering the older hens and taunting the sr tom.

ANd displaying like teenagers.

I won't mind a year, next year, without so many poults.

I fit TWO 12 month heritage birds in my roaster pan-- the same pan that fits, barely, my 35# BBW. I do like the taste MUCH better.

Oh I know the feeling with those teenage turkeys. They climbed all over my mothers car the other day and scratched it all up. Luckily she didn't say anything since she knows the possible farm hazards of coming to my house. I did feel bad though. My family doesn't understand why I let them free range they are always asking why I let them out because so and so doesn't let her animals out. AGH.

 

[Arielle]

So how did your turkey canning go Arielle?

THanks for the reminder!!

90 minutes goes by FAST. Now cooling down.

I've come to the conclusion I would not make a good homesteader. Much easier to go buy what I need, and toss the packaging in the trash!! lol

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Since I can let them rainge, I do. THey are healthier for it and the older toms put them in their place. At 4 months old they are brats!!

We moved them to a far building with the gable ends open. Every night we put them away, carrying a few in a covered tote. THen we could herd them down. THen I gave up. lol THey roost where ever. Find food where ever and drink from the horse troughs. Easy peasy.

It is sort of cute when they run up to me all 15 with very expectant looks -- Mom , you have our breakfast? I feel guilty and go get feed and bring it back. . . . but they are gone!! lol I put the feed in the same place every day so they know where to look later if they are still hungry.

My family doesn't do animals--

 

[chickadoodles]

THanks for the reminder!!

90 minutes goes by FAST. Now cooling down.

I've come to the conclusion I would not make a good homesteader. Much easier to go buy what I need, and toss the packaging in the trash!! lol

Lol! Let me know how it comes out! I may try itl IDK

I agree! Most the time I buy stuff we need. Because there is only the two of us. But sometimes and somethings I want to make for us because it's better! lol

 

[Sally8]

Hi everybody. I just started into turkeys this year as well. Got some Orlopp Bronze that are due for freezer camp soon and just got some Heritage breeds to keep and breed. I have really been enjoying the experience and actually like the turkeys more than the chickens...don't tell my chickens...

Thanks for sharing. They are all so pretty!

 

[SA Farm]

Thanks all

 

[Momhunter]

Ok you experienced turkey people, at what age can you tell jakes from hens for sure?? I'm having a hard time sexing mine. I bought them as 2 week old chicks end of June I think. One always has a lighter colored head and I know it is a hen. The other 3 strut a lot and are very talkative, but the head seems to go back and forth on how red it is on two of them. They are royal palms. So I know I have a hen and a jake but the other two I can't decide on. When do the young hens stop strutting?? And do only the males actually gobble??

 

[Arielle]

this should help you.

Quote:

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Chickens and turkeys have led me on a new journey to be more selfsufficient. BUT to work out side the home for 40hr a week really puts a kibosh ( not sure of spelling) on being self sufficient. Cannng is easy, just time consumming. My mom and I used to do a lot when I was a teen. I was nervous because I haven't done it since then, and not on my own.

ANd my freezers are full.