A family we know is moving out of the area so we acquired their flock of mature poultry – 10 turkeys and 7 chickens. These are heritage turkey breeds of Spanish Black, Royal Palm, and Rio Grande. Most were born last year and will be breeding and laying this year. We hope they’ll hatch several healthy poults which we’ll raise for the holiday table. Turkeys are a new experience for the farm so we’re looking forward to learning a lot this year.
We’ve had chickens in the past. Since the last of our original flock died several months ago, we’re glad to have laying hens back on the farm. There’s a rooster in the group so we may have some chicks hatched this year.
Currently the turkeys and chickens are together in the coop they’ve stayed in since birth. We’re working on portable pens we can drag across pasture, giving them access to fresh grass everyday while keeping them safe. The plan is to separate the turkeys into 2 smaller flocks before breeding season. The chickens will have their own portable pen also. Recent cold weather has slowed pen construction, but also gives the flock more time to get accustomed to their new surroundings and caretakers, while staying in the coop they’ve always called home. The 6 chicken hens are laying 3 or 4 eggs a day. And the turkey hens are starting to lay. We’re getting 1 or 2 turkey eggs daily.
Flock arrives, ready for temporary quarters on one of our summer garden plots.
All coop’ed up and ready to get out!
Out of the coop and enjoying the clover growing in the garden.
The dominant tom wastes no time reasserting his presence at the new home.
The little ones welcoming the flock to their new home.
Checking out the flock. He’ll have a big role in their daily care.