When we first decided to attempt to raise turkeys we were a little apprehensive. We had heard that turkeys had a habit of drowning in their own water, starving to death because they couldn't differentiate between food and woodchips, and just plain dropping dead for no apparent reason.
Someone had actually shared with my husband Stephen the quote to end all quotes in turkey raising circles: "The only thing stupider than a turkey, is the person chosing to raise them!"
That being said, we couldn't find a free range turkey to save our lives last year, and the idea of having to pick up a frozen rock from the grocery store was the impetus for our turkey raising adventure.
Our first decision? Heritage breeds or the cheepies. Well, for us the answer was a little tough. We really wanted to raise heritage breeds- but in the same breath the idea of learning as we go with heritage breeds seemed a little costly. So we decided year one- cheepies, then if all goes well year two- heritage breeds.
When we picked up our 2 week old poults aka. "Coop specials" we were a little nervous. They were frightened, dirty and well in all honesty- on the verge on death. It was a little intimidating and sad to say the least. But after some research the kids and I nursed them back to health with a water/molasses/apple cider vinegar mixture, a heat lamp and some good old fashioned snuggling.
Lets fast forward a few months now.
We were hoping to have at least 2 turkeys left by Thanksgiving. After all we had heard about raising turkeys we had pretty low life expectancy expectations for our fine feathered friends! But here we are at the beginning of September with all 6 turkeys alive and well.
They are pretty funny birds. One of the reasons I think they have done so well is the fact that we have chickens. The chickens have basically taught the turkeys how to forrage and roam and generally have a good ole time in the great outdoors.
The turkey's have taken on a sort of protector role around the farm. Think of them as the big dumb bouncer at your local night club: not the smartest tool in the shed, but they have a heart of gold and are ready and able to keep the peace. They hang tight with the chickens and at the first sign of trouble they are the first to pounce. This generally happens when one of our cats starts stalking a chicken- the turkeys, followed by the chickens will all gang up and chase the cats away.
Alright, getting on with my story. The crush.
A few weeks ago my son Kiyomi discovered that he has a knack for recreating the turkey call. It is a warbling sound that can only be described as a throaty noise somewhere between a mewing cow and a choking fish. Before we knew it the turkeys and my son were having full blown conversations.
From then on Kiyomi has been showing off his incredible turkey whispering abilities to anyone who has a moment to spare.
But there has been an unexpected outcome to his new found talent. It seems that a few of the turkeys have mistaken his friendly banter for pillow talk! So now, every morning without fail, we have a turkey or two waiting patiently on our porch for Kiyomi to come outside. They pace around on the deck calling, calling, calling him… until he comes out for his morning chat.
Now I always knew the time would come; Girls stopping by, calling on my son, hoping to be his girlfriend. I guess I just assumed that these girls would be, well, a little less feathery.
Someone had actually shared with my husband Stephen the quote to end all quotes in turkey raising circles: "The only thing stupider than a turkey, is the person chosing to raise them!"
That being said, we couldn't find a free range turkey to save our lives last year, and the idea of having to pick up a frozen rock from the grocery store was the impetus for our turkey raising adventure.
Our first decision? Heritage breeds or the cheepies. Well, for us the answer was a little tough. We really wanted to raise heritage breeds- but in the same breath the idea of learning as we go with heritage breeds seemed a little costly. So we decided year one- cheepies, then if all goes well year two- heritage breeds.
When we picked up our 2 week old poults aka. "Coop specials" we were a little nervous. They were frightened, dirty and well in all honesty- on the verge on death. It was a little intimidating and sad to say the least. But after some research the kids and I nursed them back to health with a water/molasses/apple cider vinegar mixture, a heat lamp and some good old fashioned snuggling.
Lets fast forward a few months now.
We were hoping to have at least 2 turkeys left by Thanksgiving. After all we had heard about raising turkeys we had pretty low life expectancy expectations for our fine feathered friends! But here we are at the beginning of September with all 6 turkeys alive and well.
They are pretty funny birds. One of the reasons I think they have done so well is the fact that we have chickens. The chickens have basically taught the turkeys how to forrage and roam and generally have a good ole time in the great outdoors.
The turkey's have taken on a sort of protector role around the farm. Think of them as the big dumb bouncer at your local night club: not the smartest tool in the shed, but they have a heart of gold and are ready and able to keep the peace. They hang tight with the chickens and at the first sign of trouble they are the first to pounce. This generally happens when one of our cats starts stalking a chicken- the turkeys, followed by the chickens will all gang up and chase the cats away.
Alright, getting on with my story. The crush.
A few weeks ago my son Kiyomi discovered that he has a knack for recreating the turkey call. It is a warbling sound that can only be described as a throaty noise somewhere between a mewing cow and a choking fish. Before we knew it the turkeys and my son were having full blown conversations.
From then on Kiyomi has been showing off his incredible turkey whispering abilities to anyone who has a moment to spare.
But there has been an unexpected outcome to his new found talent. It seems that a few of the turkeys have mistaken his friendly banter for pillow talk! So now, every morning without fail, we have a turkey or two waiting patiently on our porch for Kiyomi to come outside. They pace around on the deck calling, calling, calling him… until he comes out for his morning chat.
Now I always knew the time would come; Girls stopping by, calling on my son, hoping to be his girlfriend. I guess I just assumed that these girls would be, well, a little less feathery.
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