NH Homesteader- turkeys!

[NH homesteader]

I think about 9" so far and still falling. My driveway is so muddy and the snow is so heavy my stepdad can't plow. He did one trip down and almost got stuck! Haha so we are thankful for the Jeep! And the Muck boots.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Oh no....that certainly isn't contained in my definition of Fun, for sure. Hope ya catch a break with it all before long, I have no problem sharing some "Air" with ya up there, so ya could make better use of your time. I'd be "Chomping at the Bit" if I were there....just "Pinging off the Walls".....and freezing of course...

 

[NH homesteader]

I am losing my mind not being able to do anything!!

 

[Bruce]

We got about 6", then it went to 37° so where I blew snow what was left melted. Super heavy wet stuff

 

[NH homesteader]

Hey poultry people I have a question! @farmerjan I don't know who else to tag here... @Bruce you know poultry people

My husband and I have decided (not now, but once we're settled wherever we may be), to grow our turkey flock and try out the various breeds we're interested in. I have no blessed clue where to look for breeders. Is there a place I should start? I know about Porters and want to avoid hatcheries. TIA!

Side note, the weather forecast says it may hit 70 next week!!! Woot!

 

[Bruce]

Sorry @NH homesteader, I don't know a dang thing about turkeys other than we eat one at Thanksgiving. I don't even know where there any chicken breeders outside of Ameraucanas that you can find through their associations.

 

[NH homesteader]

Thanks, that's the problem, no one knows! Lol I stumbled upon mine randomly but we want to breed up, so I hope to avoid more stumbling!

 

[farmerjan]

The only thing I can suggest besides Porters, who is very advanced in the color genetics etc....is get in contact with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. They did a big thing on monitoring Turkey breeds.
Hatcheries are what have kept the turkey breeds alive. I would not turn up my nose at them because most all are on the NPIP program and may be the only way to get some of the rarer colors and varieties. Also, try subscribing to the Poultry Press or at least try going online and see when there is a show in Tenn and maybe go to it and see what is available. However, breeders are few and far between and poults will only be available in the spring. Sometimes you can find some at some of the poultry swaps that are held. Also try the extension service in the area and the 4-H and FFA clubs.

 

[NH homesteader]

I've had bad luck with hatchery chickens, but we will see how this year goes and maybe I'll change my tune!

I will check out the conservancy, see what they have for info. 4H is not huge here so I forget it is other places. Here it's a couple kids with a cow or a chicken, lol.

Thanks!

Eggs in the incubator from mine are due April 25th!

 

[farmerjan]

4-H and FFA are VERY BIG in more rural/southern states. Radio stations here have farm market reports, and all kinds of stuff like that. FFA was actually started here in Va in Weyers Cave, Va.