Who Lives, Who Dies....

[Beccatrix]

It's getting to be that time! This is our 1st year with turkeys, and we have 5 jakes coming up on 6 months in November. We're also ok with waiting until December. The plan is to process 3. What things do you look for when deciding who to keep for breeding and who to eat? Sweetgrass coloring and overall feathering seems good throughout. They've all been very healthy. Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[R2elk]

It's getting to be that time! This is our 1st year with turkeys, and we have 5 jakes coming up on 6 months in November. We're also ok with waiting until December. The plan is to process 3. What things do you look for when deciding who to keep for breeding and who to eat? Sweetgrass coloring and overall feathering seems good throughout. They've all been very healthy. Thanks for any thoughts!

Conformation first, temperament a very close second when choosing breeding stock. No matter how good they look, never keep a mean one for breeding.

 

[Molpet]

Conformation first, temperament a very close second when choosing breeding stock. No matter how good they look, never keep a mean one for breeding.

Agree
3rd would be size, I'm raising for meat.
The first year I let the only hen I had pick. It wasn't the dominant tom but one she hung out with.

 

[R2elk]

Agree
3rd would be size, I'm raising for meat.
The first year I let the only hen I had pick. It wasn't the dominant tom but one she hung out with.

I am amazed at the size of these Recessive Slates. They aren't even 3 months old and the toms look as big as the Blue Slate hen and almost twice as big as the same age Sweetgrass.

 

[Molpet]

I am amazed at the size of these Recessive Slates. They aren't even 3 months old and the toms look as big as the Blue Slate hen and almost twice as big as the same age Sweetgrass.

If any get processed I would be interested in the weights. I figure maybe next years jakes?

 

[Huntmaster]

I am amazed at the size of these Recessive Slates.

If any get processed I would be interested in the weights. I figure maybe next years jakes?

I second that.

 

[Beccatrix]

Thanks all! Do you separate them for finishing off with a certain feed or corn, and if so, how long?