Turkeys For 2013

[kuntrygirl]

How much do you all sell your processed turkeys for? Do you sell by weight?

 

[TexasLisa]

Agreed, I feel horribly if its not quick for them and its not right to frighten them. I can't hold one this big up for very long either.
I tried using the tractor and one of his feet slipped out of the ropes suspended from the front loader.
I made slip knots on both sides, and one had a kink that stopped it from tightening.
It was terrible, and I know it was frightening for the bird. So I left him for the following week.
I had not slit him yet, or it would have been even worse.
I have used an ace bandage for the wings. Has to be pretty snug or they will get it off quick.
If I can't use a cone I like your method better. I ran across a sheet of heavy tin, DH said he will make us (me) an XXXL cone to fit a turkey.
After getting this BR tom/pair last month it better be a BIG cone, I can barely lift him! Not processing him, but will be his sons

I need a larger scale to weigh him. Really excited to see the poults grow out next year from this new pair!
Snoodles (your eggs) and snickers (another private breeder's eggs, only hen out of the hatch) are jake and jenny for sure.
Giving him a BBW jenny thats small, she is like a normal hen.
The larger BBW jenny (at least 17lbs) I will give to my big tom.
Excited to see how next breeding season goes. And hoping the porters order gives me another pair too

.

My husband and I work together to processed our BBW. My dh picks them up and puts them on the table. They sit there and look around for a bit. We put a gunny sack over their head and tie their feet. He hoists them up into the air with a chain and slits their throat. If I had to do it by myself, I wouldn't be able to pick them up. I envy those of you who do it single-handedly!!

On a side note, I love the picture of your Australorp. It looks like the chicks are getting scolded!

Lisa

 

[chicken pickin]

How much do you all sell your processed turkeys for? Do you sell by weight?

I am seling by weight. Heritage for $5 per lb, and my bbws for $4 per lb. They will be processed the sunday before thanksgiving and customers can pic them up that night

 

[yinepu]

I love it!

Quote: I learned a method from a man from Africa where the men process all their own meats for their families. He showed me using chickens, but I find it works for all heritage types, just not for the cornishX. Turkeys are a bit to manage.

Lay out a grain bag and have a very sharp knife handy. Have the birds keel facing away from you, and position so if you hold knife in right hand, the wings are under left foot.


As you lay bird onto bag, stand on the legs, with care and thoughtfulness just to imobilize, Pull wings over back as if flying then stand on primary feathers. Usually they don't struggle at all. Takes a few tries to get the bird into position smoothly. Both hands are free. One to lift the head back and expose the throat and the other hand to cut the two jugulars. Either let it bleed out onto the bag , or hang into a 5gal bucket to collect blood. ANd I say a prayer of thanks to the bird.

I do like someone's idea of wrapping the wings to the body, maybe an ace wrap. Just haven't tried it.

Not a perfect method, but I can process by myself. Sometimes I need a shower right after, if you know what I mean.

vet wrap.. works wonders!

 

[Arielle]

ANd the vet wrap come is many lovely colors!!!

 

[casportpony]

Regarding vet wrap, I have found it handy to have the different sizes. I keep 1", 2" and 4" in my first aid kit along with rolled gauze to go under it for padding.

-Kathy

 

[Arielle]

I use vet wrap to id chicks at hatch, stretches nicely if I forget it.

 

[TamTurkey]

Foul Pox is Fun! I had my first bout with this. My turkeys will be vaccinated from now on.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Foul Pox is Fun! I had my first bout with this. My turkeys will be vaccinated from now on.

I know this is NOT funny but the way I read it was. I could hear you saying those words sarcastiaclly.

I have been through both the dry and wet and yea it IS fun. NOT!

I hope that all of your turkeys survived. Sorry to hear that.

 

[Arielle]

THis begs a question--

(Sorry TamTUrkey, I"m sure it is not fun. )


Are the birds immune after the exposure? ANd do all the birds get it, or do some have immunity?? Maybe it matters what flock they come from??