The lack of people able to read is frightening. If you want something you've got to put in some work. Good lord. I knew more about these birds when I was 16 than the people on here asking the same questions, over and over, again.
Well said, Colt!!!!The lack of people able to read is frightening. If you want something you've got to put in some work. Good lord. I knew more about these birds when I was 16 than the people on here asking the same questions, over and over, again.
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There are very few aviculturists (I'm not defining it, so look it up people) in the US that have these birds. Some zoos have flocks. Everyone I know that has worked with them talks about how beautiful they are but how fragile they are. Males are also colossal pricks. Think the personality of a gander, the spurs of a pheasant, and the size of a heritage breed turkey. Caring for them and collecting eggs is not fun.
For every Tom, Dick, and Harry that wants to know if you can eat them...yes, if you want to pay the $3000+ for a single bird and then kill it. As to what they eat? Not the flock raiser you're dumping on the ground for your domestic turkeys. These birds require very special care in secure aviaries where they can be protected from both disease and wild animals. It's upsetting to walk outside and find a coon has been in the chicken coop. I don't think there's a curse in Entish, Elvish, or the tongues of Men to accurately express what you'd feel if you discovered these birds dead in a pen.
Suppose you seriously want to obtain birds for the purpose of keeping them alive in US aviculture. In that case, I suggest you reach out to any of the known zoos that have them as well as breeders and ask every dumb question you can think of and retain every piece of information these people give you. And then, if you decide you still have the time, energy, and money to commit to this project, you can start trying to source birds. With small breeding populations in captivity, it is imperative that you maintain accurate breeding records and bloodlines.
No, no one is going to sell you fertile, hatching eggs. If you don't know why that is, then I suggest you continue researching the species. No one is going to sell you poults, either. No you can't free range them. But if you want to, I'll give you my CashApp, Zelle, or PayPal and you can just send me your $6000. I'll take much better care of it than you will.
Here is Barry Koffler's page on Ocellated Turkeys, with photos since people seem to like looking at them, but not being able to Google for themselves. He provides links to other sources on them. I supplied some of the photos. It's possible that he may know people still working with them. Garrie Landry and Mike Langerot may also be sources of information regarding people working with the species.
Well said, Colt!!!!
I too get tired of repeating myself, on how to do research before even thinking of getting an animal or bird that is extremely hard to take care of and has special requirements for life.
I've had the chance of getting a breeding pair from a person living in Mexico, they come up here every fall to buy my birds. I'd love to have them but know I can't give them the best care, ie; huge climate controlled aviary. So, until I can, I'll just dream some more!
Ok, that's a deal....you talk about 'drooling',, he showed me a pic of his aviaries and in 1 enclosure he had about 15 of'em!
I've got Friday Fingers today, apparently. lol Been a long day at the office.
They are gorgeous birds. And I know it has to be frustrating for people with the knowledge and experience you and so few others have to constantly be hounded by people seeking information that a nurse could tell them, not their brain surgeon.
That being said, if you ever get a pair, we are all going to need pics. Like I might drive down and sit in the driveway with my birding binoculars just to watch them. lol
Another....."I'll take I didn't read the whole thread for $500, Alex!"
Yes I could not agree with you more.
