Turkeys about breeding time

[CrealCritter]

Up to a bakers dozen now (13). Yesterday I took one of the still wet ones that was alive but was just laying the eyes closed and breathing. When I picked it up it was very weak and still had it's umbilical cord attached it was about 2" long. I laid it under the heat lamp to dry off. Later in the evening it was still laying there, it was a bit more lively but couldn't stand. So I decided to cut it's umbilical cord off as close as I could to it's body with a pair of sizzors. I then gave it some water, food, ACV mix with an eye dropper. This morning I couldn't tell which one it was that I treated, they are all very active. So I guess good ole momma hen (me) did what was right by cutting it's umbilical cord and feeding it with an eye dropper? I'm thinking it may have hatched a little to fast maybe? IDK...

Bakers dozen

 

[frustratedearthmother]

If it worked - it was a good thing. They are really cute little buggers!

 

[CrealCritter]

Blackhead ---> https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/viewhtml.php?id=343

• Capsicum from hot peppers (i.e., Cayenne) has anecdotal success as a natural treatment for Blackhead disease. However, the effectiveness of treating Blackhead with Capsicum has not been verified through documented research.

I have had sucess by sprinkling dried habenero flakes over both chicken and turkey feed I do this about every three months now. I've even gave a really sick turkey who I thought had black head an eye dropper of seeped habenero and water - it worked. I tried Cayenne pepper first but the turkey got no worse nor better, habenero did the trick and worked well.

 

[CrealCritter]

I'm up to 14 babies now and there are 7 eggs left that a hen is sitting on. I see 2 of the 7 eggs have pipped, so maybe more babbies tomorrow? Even if no more hatch - I'm really thankful for what has hatched.

 

[baymule]

What a nice bunch of chicks! You sure make a good momma turkey! They are cute too.

 

[Mini Horses]

Adorable and a great hatch! So, will these all be going to freezer camp? The adults are lovely -- if I were close, I'd snatch a couple of those poults just to look at when grown..

 

[CrealCritter]

Adorable and a great hatch! So, will these all be going to freezer camp? The adults are lovely -- if I were close, I'd snatch a couple of those poults just to look at when grown..

Freezer? Yes absolutely! I'm going to try and maintain 4 Hens and a Tom for breeding purposes, I currently have 2 Hens and a Tom.

Some more pictures of the cute little buggers.

A moth - Yes! It's manna from heaven.

That moth sure was tasty. Kinda dry though.

What's that flashy light thing?

How's my first selfie? Does my egg tooth look ok?

 

[baymule]

I've always heard how hard turkeys are to raise. Looks like you have the "secret"

 

[sumi]

I heard the same, but these little ones are doing great! And man, they are cute

 

[NH Homesteader]

They really aren't that hard, generally. They're not as tough as chicks at first but they aren't difficult. Happy to see so many good looking poults!