Turkeys about breeding time

[NH Homesteader]

I would try Narragansetts or Blue Slates. They're bigger, calmer, less flighty. Good birds. My Spanish Blacks were psycho. I don't know if they're all like that or it was a fluke! Sweet grass would likely be good mothers too, they're a Narragansett cross I think.

 

[CrealCritter]

Two weeks or less old today and the little boogers can already fly and jump atleast 12" high to roost on the front of the brooder.

Looks like I'll be getting the big turkey yard their final home ready for them this weekend while I have time. It won't be long until they will outgrow this little nursery yard.

 

[CrealCritter]

3 weeks and a few days less old now. 2 are noticably smaller than the rest (center front and far right) I'm not sure why this is? But I can say they all sure grow and feather out fast.

 

[sumi]

They are growing like weeds!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

They sure are!

 

[baymule]

I studied turkeys on BYC on the turkey threads. I was thinking about getting some, don’t remember why I didn’t. There is a lady in Louisiana that raises Bourbon Reds and the hens raised their babies. Maybe it isn’t a breed thing and you won the lottery for dumb mother turkeys.

You are making a pretty good mother turkey. Just look how healthy they look and how they are growing!

 

[CrealCritter]

I studied turkeys on BYC on the turkey threads. I was thinking about getting some, don’t remember why I didn’t. There is a lady in Louisiana that raises Bourbon Reds and the hens raised their babies. Maybe it isn’t a breed thing and you won the lottery for dumb mother turkeys.

You are making a pretty good mother turkey. Just look how healthy they look and how they are growing!

Well atleast I'm good for something (being Momma Turkey) . Actually they are pretty easy to raise, if you don't take the high death rate personally. I've already raised them longer than the turkey hens did last year, before they kill them, so I'm happy.

I'll say it again... I kind of understand why this breed is considered endangered species. They are absolutely horrible mother's.

 

[CrealCritter]

My Tom and two hens just came out of a mild molt earlier this week. There are feathers all over the place but molt didn't last long and they are looking good again in their new feathers.this was their first molt in 2 1/2 years.

I need to start fattening Tom up since it Won't be long until he is stuffed and in the oven cooking for Thanksgiving dinner. I'm finding it hard to wait, burbon reds are so delicious!

Hard to believe that one day the chicks will get this big but God willing it will happen.

 

[CrealCritter]

I do believe when they start roosting on top of the brooder it's time to move into the big yard.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

yep