Thank you for this great article. I've read it about 10 times throughout my first-ever incubation of turkey and chicken eggs (which were added a week into the turkey eggs set). Almost ready for the hatch day! I've raised chickens and turkeys for awhile now, but always had a broody. This year, my...
My heritage turkeys started laying in the middle of January. I live in northern North Dakota. It is freezing here. I have 18 turkey eggs in an incubator now. It's too cold to be laying a clutch outside. Several eggs froze and cracked before I was able to get them. It's only been four days.
Hey all fellow NoDakers. Just wanted to pop in here to wish you (us) all luck through this coming winter, as it seems to be in the air. I live about 38 miles NE of Minot and have a flock of 19 chickens and 5 turkeys. Was six till last night, a very large bird killed one of my turkeys that...
I asked a few months ago on a local FB page what oeople sell their butchered birds for, and is it per bird or by the pound. Some sold their 4-5 lb birds for $10 each and >5lb for $15. The majority sold by the pound and ranged from $2.00/lb to $3.50/lb. I just sold mine last week for $2.25/pound...
He is a pretty boy! I've never had a "bad" rooster yet, so I've yet to experience being attacked by one of my guys. That will be a sad day that is likely coming at some point if I keep having more. I got two roosters that came together when I started my flock, both mature and decent (a standard...
Hi Kiki, thanks for the reply! I got him in a day-old shipment March 2 this year. Who knows what he's supposed to really be?! haha
Edited to say: I went back to MM website and it looks like Cuckoo Marans is the only variety they sell. I found a short blurb about Black Copper Marans, but none...
Thank you for the reply EggSighted. He's a great rooster, no issues with him at all. I was just curious about the gold-like look and couldn't find any info on it.
Hi! I have a Cuckoo Marans that was my "free rare" from a hatchery order. I'm sure since he's from a hatchery, instead of a breeder, his coloring my not be perfect. But I'm wondering why he has a gold sheen to his black and whiteness? Is that what is referred to as 'color leaking'?
It's really...
I have absolutely no help for you, I've never even heard of camel crickets before! But I have to chime in here to say that in addition to learning lots about poultry keeping, I am amazed at what I am simultaneously learning about other regions! Some of the pests and dangers are similar, but some...
Thank you for the clarification. Somewhere along the lines I crossed my wires with Black Spanish and just Black. I assumed when someone said Black, they meant Black Spanish. Got it now! Yes, the hatchery sold him as a Black Spanish. Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the reply!
I know she didn't become a boy, then a girl. hahaha I just thought she was a hen, then I thought she was a tom when her beard began growing, then accepted that she is actually a she with a beard. We'll see how this clutch goes, I'm checking the nest daily. If they hatch...
I will be moving her and the poults into the secure, covered run as soon as they hatch. We just butchered our 50 cornishX on Saturday, so now the run is available. I did not expect a fall clutch, so I was not prepared. All the chickens and turkeys free range completely, but return to the coop...
I did butcher the others and kept only her, but with the idea of maybe seeing if this one will lay next spring. I was not expecting it this fall already! I don't know if she'll be a good mom or not, or even if the remainder of the eggs will hatch, but I am excited to see what could potentially...
I just wanted to make a post because I'm surprised and a little confused. I ordered day-old turkeys from a hatchery that were delivered April 5, 2018. They were a broad-breasted mix. I butchered all but one white hen. I also have a black Spanish. On August 31, I purchased three Red Bourbon's...
All true. I have not attempted cervical dislocation because I am afraid I will only harm the bird, not kill it, while attempting. I really don't know the "best way". Thank you for your response. But now I feel like I'm a chicken torturer! :hit I'll have to keep researching...