Our feathered flocks are free-range, with night shelter.

In 2008 we had three Toms and one hen successfully hatch and survive to adulthood (only lost one pullet).  Our Toms were spared the AX by friends Annett & Albert.  Blue, Laverne and Shirley live down the road as pets (we named them before we figured out they were all boys).  Our one hen lives here with us, Squidward, and is very friendly and loves to help with projects (help get in the way mostly).

New in 2007 Turkeys:  Blue Slate breeding pair and two Kentucky Bourbon Red Toms.  The male Blue Slate is a slate color and the hen is a lavender color.  Their offspring will be either Black, Slate and Lavender colored. 

2007 Chickens: Red & Black Star plus Rhode Island Red hens and one Rhode Island Red Rooster.  Black and Grey Silkies.  The Red Star hens are very good egg layers.
 

What Are Heritage Turkeys?

Prior to the second world war many farms raised small flocks of turkeys. These birds were often allowed to roam at will over the entire farm and some times beyond. In order for the farmer to tell his birds from those of his neighbor's different color patterns were developed. Eventually there came to be more than twenty different breeds each having a distinct color pattern.

Shortly after WWII the modern day "Broad Breasted Whites and Bronze turkeys came on the scene. The White soon dominated the market. These birds are huge, with adult Toms often weighing over fifty pounds. Because of their weight and rapid growth their legs give out early in life. Their breasts are so huge that it is impossible for them to breed naturally. Artificial insemination must be used in order to get fertile eggs. Because of inbreeding the BBW's have a lowered immune system, which makes them susceptible to disease.

The Heritage turkeys on the other hand are hardy and much more resistant to disease than their modern-day cousins. They are also of a different body type than the BBW. Their legs are longer and they have amore upright carriage allowing them to mate naturally.

Heritage turkeys have not only retained their mothering instincts but, because of their lighter weight, they are able to hatch and brood the pullets successfully.

All this and they will also dress out to 25 pounds or more.


The Present Breeds

Bronze, Narragansett, White Holland, Black, Slate,
Bourbon Red, Beltsville Small White, Royal Palm

The APA recognizes only eight types of turkey. This is down from more than twenty that were common on the general farms of pre-WW II North America.
We must not allow this valuable gene pool to vanish as in many cases the foundation breeds are all ready extinct so they can never be reproduced.

For an accurate description of show quality birds please refer to the "American Poultry Association's" book "The Standard Of Perfection". You may order this book on line from the APA at; http://www.ampltya.com/virtualstoreA.htm

"When the last individual of a race of living things breaths no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again."
William Beebe