Turkeys For 2013

[kuntrygirl]

Is everyone line breeding, father to daughter and mother to son? Are you getting new toms every year or using your original toms with the new hens you hatch or can brothers and sisters in turkeys be bred without the risk of inbreeding?

I follow Bob BLosl on the Heritage LF thread, lots of great info there from LONG time chicken breeders.  Yes you can breed father- daughter and mother-son, however sister-brother is not done.  I really suggest reading up on breeding patterns to understand which combos you breed and why.  Each method has a purpose.  Eventually all flocks need an infusion of new blood. Bob talks about swapping males with someone who has the same line but both flocks are now 5 generations apart.  

Sister-brother matings can be done to look for problem genes in a flock. Recessive genes need two copies to be expressed, so inbreeding will reveal the recessive genes, the good and the bad. 

As BOb says, go slow and go down the middle and KISS = keep it simple and sweet. 

Turkeys are hard to come by where I live.  I ordered from POrters to increase my genetic base.  Still need a wider base for my preferences = more sources. 

That's why I really want to get new toms and I am selling or processing all of my toms (except my original boy - he is a true pet). But I have to have THE RIGHT tom. You are right when you say GOOD turkeys are hard to come by. There are many people who sell them but I"m not sure if I want some of the turkeys that are around my area.

Still need a wider base for my preferences = more sources. 

 

[kuntrygirl]

Here is another turkey brooder.

I picked this up about an hour ago on my lunch break. As I was driving by this mechanic parts shop, this shipping crate was calling my name, so I had to turn in and answer. I went inside and asked the guy if they had any shipping crates that they wanted to get rid of. He said that he just got 1 in and if I wanted it that I could have it. So, he pointed to the shipping crate that was calling my name. He told me to back in and he would load it in my truck. It is PERFECT!!!! I was looking for something taller for my baby poults and this will make the perfect brooder. It's very light, so I can move it where I need it with no problems.

 

[chicken pickin]

That is perfect! Great find

 

[r4eboxer]

I know what y'all mean about a good source for Turkey's. I'm afraid to get anything from where I am located. I figure I'm just asking for trouble. I sure don't want to grow out a bunch of poults though just to get two Toms.

 

[kuntrygirl]

That is perfect! Great find

Thank you so much. I am so happy. I can't wait to get it home and clean it up and put it in the garage and move the baby poults in there. They will still have the heat lamp but at least they will be OUT OF MY KITCHEN !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kuntrygirl]

I know what y'all mean about a good source for Turkey's. I'm afraid to get anything from where I am located. I figure I'm just asking for trouble. I sure don't want to grow out a bunch of poults though just to get two Toms.

EXACTLY !!!! I'm paranoid about get turkeys from anyone in my area. I know what I have but I don't know what they have. I have seen some of these pics of turkeys on our local Craigslist and it's just scary.

 

[r4eboxer]

Here is another turkey brooder.

I picked this up about an hour ago on my lunch break. As I was driving by this mechanic parts shop, this shipping crate was calling my name, so I had to turn in and answer. I went inside and asked the guy if they had any shipping crates that they wanted to get rid of. He said that he just got 1 in and if I wanted it that I could have it. So, he pointed to the shipping crate that was calling my name. He told me to back in and he would load it in my truck. It is PERFECT!!!! I was looking for something taller for my baby poults and this will make the perfect brooder. It's very light, so I can move it where I need it with no problems.

That is awesome, we did the same thing. We live just a block or so down the road from a machine shop. I think I have 9 of those, some are brooders and some are duck and goose houses. Hubby took metal roofing and made a roof, cut a door, I stained the outside of them and decorated a little. The sides were a pine board like the floor in yours. Isn't it awesome to get brooders and houses for FREE.

 

[kuntrygirl]

That is awesome, we did the same thing. We live just a block or so down the road from a machine shop. I think I have 9 of those, some are brooders and some are duck and goose houses. Hubby took metal roofing and made a roof, cut a door, I stained the outside of them and decorated a little. The sides were a pine board like the floor in yours. Isn't it awesome to get brooders and houses for FREE.

Yes, it is so awesome. I will try to drive by there every couple of weeks (not wanting to be a pest) and see if they have any extras.

 

[Arielle]

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[Arielle]

In theory , when you only want a few , or two toms, start with 25-30 poults from a good source like Porters or URch . Or Reese!! He is offering birds this year-- can't remember which varieties. THen raise them up, pick the best, sell the rest, or freezer camp.

KuntryGIRls-- WOW you scored!!!! I drive a small car, but you should see what I can fit in it!!! I keep an eye out for pallets and boxes. So does DH!