Turkeys For 2013

[kuntrygirl]

I have had coronation sussex, cream legbars, lemon cuckoo orpingtons, lavender orpingtons, sweedish flower hens, non molting pheonix, Davis Marans, Dan Powel Brahmas, and many more. EGG PRODUCTION STINKS, The legbars weren't so bad. I want more then 90-120 eggs a year. Color is one thing but if eggs aren't put in the box. there is no value. People are breeding the production right out of these breeds. Anyone who has chickens knows they eat more then a grown turkey. Why would you put that much food into something with such a little return

You are right about that.

 

[chicken pickin]

Were you able to sell your turkey?

No they never responded back. But thats ok I dont mind. If I really decide to sell him Ill find the right person The person that was interested has a petting farm and wanted to add a Tom, One of my boys would have been great they are super friendly. My hopes for right now are to to seperate 2 of the toms that way I can keep my 3 toms for now and then come spring keep a few of the female poults and raise them for my flock. But like I mentioned before this is my first year with turkeys so I need to make it through spring and summer with all the mating, eggs and poults and see how I do before I decide on increasing the flock.

 

[chicken pickin]

So Im not quite sure what to do for a temperary set up for the 2 toms. Im nervous about predators, we have them all. They are currently in a pen that is made out of a chain link fence with aviary netting over the top. I would probably section a part of that off inside the fence and netting. But a temperary shelter wont protect them from night time prowlers. Here is a pic of my current set up, any suggestions on what I should make to seperate them but also keep them safe?

 

[kuntrygirl]

Someone mentioned about hens not being good mothers. I haven't experienced that problem yet. When my girls hatch their own eggs, they are always great mothers.

Here is a pic of them in their own stall away from the other animals.

Turkey hens are also good mothers even when they hatch the wrong eggs.

3 broody turkey hens and a chicken. What a year this was.

And sometimes the babies refuse to leave their mother to venture off. And the mom refuses to kick them out.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Were you able to sell your turkey?

No they never responded back. But thats ok I dont mind. If I really decide to sell him Ill find the right person The person that was interested has a petting farm and wanted to add a Tom, One of my boys would have been great they are super friendly. My hopes for right now are to to seperate 2 of the toms that way I can keep my 3 toms for now and then come spring keep a few of the female poults and raise them for my flock. But like I mentioned before this is my first year with turkeys so I need to make it through spring and summer with all the mating, eggs and poults and see how I do before I decide on increasing the flock.

Sounds good. Keep us posted.

 

[kuntrygirl]

So Im not quite sure what to do for a temperary set up for the 2 toms. Im nervous about predators, we have them all. They are currently in a pen that is made out of a chain link fence with aviary netting over the top. I would probably section a part of that off inside the fence and netting. But a temperary shelter wont protect them from night time prowlers. Here is a pic of my current set up, any suggestions on what I should make to seperate them but also keep them safe?

I see a house behind them. Can you put them in there at night and lock them up for protection and just let them out in the morning?

 

[kuntrygirl]

I had to put 12 turkey eggs in my incubator last night due to unforeseen circumstances. :/

 

[chicken pickin]

Those are great pics Kuntrygirl! I love seeing moms with their babies and you captured some great moments

. Do you find babies raised by turkeys/chickens to be not as friendly as babies raised by people in brooders?

 

[chicken pickin]

I see a house behind them. Can you put them in there at night and lock them up for protection and just let them out in the morning?

That is their house, it is part of the pen set up they sleep in there at night and get locked up It is predator proof. But if I seperate 2 toms for spring/summer dont I have to completely seperate them for day and night time? Can they still sleep in the same house? I thought I need to build the extra toms a seperate shelter for sleep and protection from the elements.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Those are great pics Kuntrygirl! I love seeing moms with their babies and you captured some great moments . Do you find babies raised by turkeys/chickens to be not as friendly as babies raised by people in brooders?

Thanks.

And yes, I find them to be not as friendly (just a little skittish) if they are raised by turkeys or chickens but at the same time still a little friendly (if that makes sense). When I raise them myself and handle them every day, they are VERY tame and friendly. For some reason, I find ALL of the toms VERY friendly either way. The males are THE most friendliest in the bunch. And I have no idea why. I literally have to walk around them when I am in the chicken yard. They will not get out of my way.