Turkey Troubles

[RichmondHens]

Why won't the blasted things go to bed like chickens? Tonight I have lifted 15 turkeys individually from the field where they sat in the pouring rain and carried them to their shed because I was too late back to herd them in at dusk. Not easy as they get scared of the torch light and move away from it but I need it on because I can't see in the dark. Black birds in a black field in the tipping rain - aargh!

No wonder they have become a favourite Christmas treat. After spending several months pandering to their every whim I am thoroughly sick and tired of them and can't wait to get them slaughtered. I wonder if every turkey keeper feels this way? The only one I feel anything towards is the breeding stag, Ike. He is a gentleman and normally pretty obedient. However I was even cursing him tonight as I staggered across the field under his considerable weight.

Sorry, rant over!

[VirginVegGrower]

I have had a fit of giggles at the picture you've painted here RH. Maybe try carrying a dish of cranberry sauce in the opposite direction that you want them to go, or show them the cleaver
Either way you should write a book...Murder Most Fowl or The Diary of a Chook Keeper. I'd buy it xxx

[Glutton4...]

You have my sympathy RH, I'm battling my new Batties' insistence at sleeping outside. Three nights, and I'm still having to put half of them to bed. This lot really are stoopid, but at least they don't weigh as much as your Turkeys!

[Scarlet]

Sorry I've laughed out loud too! I've had the same troubles over the years but this year I decided to cut back and not do them as my back couldn't cope with picking them up - they are a Bl@@dy nuisance. They are into everything and I just couldn't ever keep them contained! But 've really missed them and I dont think Christmas will be half the same without the preparation of my turkey - we will be having a chicken instead .

[kathyd]

Rofl, and I thought I had problems carrying my maran around! It's wonderful to know that even the best and most experienced poultry keepers experience frustrations just like the rest of us mortals . Sorry RH, I should be more sympathetic and supportive shouldn't I? But you just made my day with that image, thanks

[petal]

yep, I hate turkeys too! If its any consolation- once they have been with you for a couple of years they get the hang of going to bed. our breeding stock, Flea and Cranberry are pretty sensible. Keeping 2 girls back - Dr Pepper and Snuggles???? (son named them...) He did smile at your post RH!!!!! our xmas dinner- a stag is called Paxo, aptly.

[RichmondHens]

Well the saga continues with the bloomin' turkeys. Two developed blackhead (we think brought in by pheasants) one was sacrificed for post mortem but the other recovered with no treatment. Apparently the only effective drug has now been withdrawn due to EU regs. All we could do was contain the flock, and offer supportive herbal treatment and isolate the sick boy. No one else got sick and we processed the three largest chaps, one of which will be our Christmas Day lunch. However I am still stuck with the remaining 9 youngsters (plus parents) who are not yet up to table weight (late hatch, won't do that again) so will be grown on through the winter and sorted out early Spring. Now the blackhead crisis is over they are back out in their field again, jumping around like enormous mad crows. One some time ago jumped onto and fell off a pig ark and injured his leg, which has never fully recovered so he hops along in the wake of everyone else squeaking if he gets left behind. They also have an obsession with our builders and keep trying to get over the fence to see them. If they manage it they come over and sit on everything they can find - barrows, sand heaps, cement mixers, ladders and leave massive piles of crap everywhere. Of course having extensively interrogated everyone else I know who raises turkeys I discovered the answer is to keep them all in a lit shed from hatch to despatch. They are contained, safe and don't get exposed to wildlife borne illness. Doesn't fit with my ethic of natural rearing though. At least I think my turks are happy, even if they are right royal pains in the neck.

[petal]

I suspected a similar problem with the smaller one of our female turkeys- we separated her and fed her well - and added an old american cure into her feed- cayenne and paprika.
Turkeys are such nosey things and you are right about timing the hatch. Paxo is enormous and ready for xmas- how long before xmas should i do the deed, hang in chiller etc?

[frias]

Oh RH, I'm sorry but laughing my head off. I can't imagine trying catch and then carry a turkey. A real tena lady moment I think!

[Nicos]

.....and can't wait to get them slaughtered.
!

WHAT???????

[Scarlet]

how long before xmas should i do the deed, hang in chiller etc?

I've always hung for around 10 days - dry plucked. I then gutted very early Christmas morning.

[VirginVegGrower]

I am so not having Turkey after reading this ladies

[VirginVegGrower]

I've always hung for around 10 days - dry plucked. I then gutted very early Christmas morning.

Beats opening presents and singing carols I suppose

[petal]

ha! 10 days ? is that safe?

[petal]

also how can I soak it in nigellas spiced brine overnight if I gut xmas morning? i hate gutting things, wish my husband was more handy... 'handy' get it.....!