Gobble Gobble

Today we trekked to Cascade Meadows Farm outside of Sandy, OR to pick up six White Holland Poults. As I mentioned before we had thought about doing the turkey thing like last year, but it didn't happen. Then we thought we might get started earlier this year, but then the coronavirus changed that plan. Until last weekend I was thinking that maybe we wouldn't do turkeys this year and we would wait another year to get them started.

Once we arrived we were greeted by Jason, he is so knowledgeable and eager to help beginners in just about anything that they have to offer at their farm. Which is nice because I don't feel so bad about sending the odd text here and there if something comes up. Kirk was out working with their Dexter herd so he was unavailable for the most part. Kirk is not nearly as personable as Jason, but friendly none the less.

Before getting to the matter of the turkeys we talked about projects and stuff then the conversation circled back around to turkeys and he told us all sorts of stuff about these White Holland poults. What we have learned so far about this breed:

1. They are quite docile - well the Cascade flock is docile and friendly. We were told that they might even follow us into the house if given the chance. Yeah, that's not gonna happen. 
2. They are a slow grower. Which is to be expected as it seems that heritage breeds are slow to mature. So a fresh turkey at Thanksgiving this year is a no go. 
3. Turkeys can be quite sensitive in that new things will kind of freak them out. So you know that we'll be in there and getting them used to us and to different things until we get them outside. 
4. They are not as mean to other chicks in the same pen. This is perfect since we'll be picking up our next batch of meat chickens in about three weeks. So once the meaties are big enough to go outside they'll join the turkeys. The turkeys will probably be about a month and half old by the time the meaties are ready. 

So far they are sounding really good! 

During our visit Jason showed us the set-up that they had for their young turkeys. There were several within this turkey shelter (tractor) and it was quite fun seeing the little turkeys hopping around.

Check out this little show off...

He's already showing off to the girl who is quite unimpressed

We talked about Rex, Fiona and the kids for a little while which was nice. It was also nice to know that we are doing a pretty good job with our piggies and what to be watching for...

ANYWAY - 

While I knew that I didn't want anymore four legged creatures besides what we have, I wasn't so sure if we would be adding feathered creatures or not. It wasn't looking very positive until a few days ago. 

Now that I have seen them in action. Then next step will be to process a couple and see how that goes. I can't imagine that it would be much different than a chicken, but you never know. If they are as good as Jason has then I have high hopes that will be raising more to put into the freezer and onto our table maybe even onto the tables of some friends. 

Since we are starting with 6 poults I'm optimistic that at least one of them will be a male and we won't have to go back to Cascade Meadows to get a tom from them. It is a nice trip out there though, so it wouldn't be the end of the world. 

This might be the last thing that we add to the farm...maybe.

Farm Life is the Best Life!