It was about this time two years ago that I decided I was going to raise a turkey to eat for the next Thanksgiving. Its an endeavor that I would highly recommend. First of all, you will know exactly what went into your turkey. Second, the meat is going to be delicious. Third, it will remind you and your family where food comes from.
I wasn't sure if I would be able to "do the deed" when the time came. Especially after I realized how friendly and sweet turkeys are to own. They are the friendliest fowl I have ever raised. I was also concerned as I had never killed anything with the intent of eating it! (I'm assuming mice, spiders and snakes don't count) I truly had no idea how to kill it, nor how to prep it for eating.
I found a solution though, I took a class. Yes, that's right, I took a class on how to butcher a chicken. My older relatives that were raised on farms thought I was crazy! "Why take a class, you just kill it". This was not a talent I was taught growing up though. Mil-Ton Farms offered a class and supplied the chickens. It made me comfortable with the entire process and allowed me to know what I was doing. That knowledge transferred to taking care of the turkeys when the time came.
Now, if you think you'll save money doing this.. forget about it. I think that turkey ended up being about $80 per pound by the time I paid for the eggs and feeding the darn things for 7 months. But I can honestly say I was grateful for the experience.
If you want to raise a turkey for next year, now is the time to start planning. Depending on what breed you get, you may need to get the poults/eggs as early as March to have one ready for eating size by November. I'm partial to the midget whites, but there are many heritage breeds to choose from. If you need more information, or want links to some other breeds for sale - just use the contact form on this site to ask!
I wasn't sure if I would be able to "do the deed" when the time came. Especially after I realized how friendly and sweet turkeys are to own. They are the friendliest fowl I have ever raised. I was also concerned as I had never killed anything with the intent of eating it! (I'm assuming mice, spiders and snakes don't count) I truly had no idea how to kill it, nor how to prep it for eating.
I found a solution though, I took a class. Yes, that's right, I took a class on how to butcher a chicken. My older relatives that were raised on farms thought I was crazy! "Why take a class, you just kill it". This was not a talent I was taught growing up though. Mil-Ton Farms offered a class and supplied the chickens. It made me comfortable with the entire process and allowed me to know what I was doing. That knowledge transferred to taking care of the turkeys when the time came.
Now, if you think you'll save money doing this.. forget about it. I think that turkey ended up being about $80 per pound by the time I paid for the eggs and feeding the darn things for 7 months. But I can honestly say I was grateful for the experience.
If you want to raise a turkey for next year, now is the time to start planning. Depending on what breed you get, you may need to get the poults/eggs as early as March to have one ready for eating size by November. I'm partial to the midget whites, but there are many heritage breeds to choose from. If you need more information, or want links to some other breeds for sale - just use the contact form on this site to ask!