Kids and Critters

There is something about barnyard critters that seems to attract kids. Nothing would have it, but to get into the pen with the birds, even though the turkeys are very big. I caught one of the Gold Laced Wyandottes so that they could all feel what dinner was like on the hoof. Only one or two wanted to pet a turkey. Those guys are a little intimidating!

The turkeys and roosters are now on the finisher feed, the last supper so to speak, before entering the holiday freezer. I for one, will be happy to see them go as I am now up to 10 gallons of water and 6 pails of feed per day. They do eat a lot! The new hens are starting to lay and last years hens have finished the  molt. The new eggs are about 1/4 the size of an  old egg, but you know what they say "Practice makes perfect!" The eggs will soon start getting to normal size.

We started with 13 turkeys this year, lost 2 as babies ( probably shipping damage) and lost one adult, cause unknown.

The Toms are likely 30 pounds dressed out and the hens about 20. We shall see next weekend! I want to get them all put away before the cold weather comes. Elaine has this thing about chicken viscera, feathers etc. in her kitchen!

I expect that the grand kids will be up to see the process. They all know where their dinner comes from, and seem all right with it.
And so, another year of raising fowl comes to an end!

I can just see The Old Geezer and a few other senior citizens sitting and sharpening up their false teeth. Oh yeah, also drooling in anticipation!