when to do the deed? :(

[ScoobyRoo]

We bought some BB in April and the tom already weighs 23#. The hen is smaller. He is big enough that he cannot fly at all. We made some steps for him to get on top of a storage box to roost otherwise he lays on the concrete floor of the run. He free ranges a lot. My question is when will we know that his time is near? How much will he weigh, dressed out if he weighs 23# now? He does walk around like he has a lot of weight to carry. But he doesn't look miserable. I would rather do the deed for food than let him live too long and die of a heart problems. I however, (and my DD) cannot eat him so a neighbor is coming to get him. He will do the deed while she is in school and hopefully I will be at work. Do you think waiting a month or two would be pushing it?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

As long as he can still get around you can wait, at 4 months he is there age wise but but not weight wise. Watch to see if he has any breathing issues, panting alot, gasping for breath - that means the weight is starting to compact his lungs. When he does that sharpen the axe quick.

Steve in NC

 

[ScoobyRoo]

Thanks SoS. We figured when it cools down a bit, maybe late Sept or early Oct. we will be safe. Will watch the breathing issue. I guess whatever comes first. I wont be sharpening the axe

If I would have known how cool they were to have, I would not have bought a turkey that was bred for the table. It is a learn as I go process.

 

[nhcruffler]

They are very cool! I am seriously concidering getting one or two for pets. NH

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Everybody loves a turkey!

 

[toredano]

Quote:
as a first time turkey owner .. let me tell you.. lol

Its like chips.. you cant just have one .( I am fiending for more allready)

They need a bit more lovin` than chickens. They are a bit slower to start when they are young.
They get chilled alot easier than chickens. I had to bring mine in even up until a few weeks ago cause he got cold at night outside.

They poop alot.. and I mean ALOT.

When they are young and start squakeing.. dear god.. get some earplugs because its loud. Especially when they are inside.. lol
And no matter what you do... they find a way to poop in their food or step in their poop and then step in the food.
They really not smart bird... the lights are on , but no one is home kinda deal.

But overall..I wish I had started keeping birds sooner.They are neat to look at.. they make ya laugh..


Petra